Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Flash floods in Nepal have affected more than 32,000 people and caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, schools and healthcare facilities, according to a preliminary government report released on Friday. The death toll rose to 1,295 on Friday as more bodies were recovered from the affected areas.
The floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26 and devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal. The preliminary report was presented by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority at a press briefing.
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According to the report, 32,933 people have been affected. Damage to educational institutions has impacted more than 6,500 students. Four healthcare facilities were completely damaged and three others were partially damaged in the flood-hit areas.
The report said about 55 km of motorable roads were completely damaged, along with 37 motorable bridges and 68 suspension bridges. It added that a detailed assessment of the overall damage is yet to be completed.
Meanwhile, senior Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsing KC criticised the government over what he described as shortcomings in the coordination of rescue and relief operations. KC, a member of the House of Representatives, said there were serious shortcomings in coordination and long-term planning, though he appreciated the role of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in search and rescue operations.
He claimed the disaster had caused losses of more than Rs 800 billion and criticised the government for not moving quickly enough to carry out a post-disaster needs assessment. KC urged the government to form an all-party mechanism to make relief distribution more effective and inclusive, and called for a high-level parliamentary committee to coordinate and monitor relief and rehabilitation efforts.
He also urged the government to raise the issue of climate justice internationally and seek compensation for countries such as Nepal that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Referring to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ earlier warnings about the impact of climate change on Nepal, KC said the disaster had once again highlighted the issue of climate injustice. Overall, the floods have left heavy human and infrastructure losses, while a full assessment is still awaited and questions have been raised over the relief and rehabilitation response.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
