October 17, 2024, 10:20 pm The government today recommended immediate grants of Rs 5 million to Rs 10 million to each of the 71 local units declared disaster-hit crisis zones.
The financial assistance will be provided for relief and used for rehabilitation, and reconstruction works in the disaster-affected areas, according to the government.
The executive committee of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), here today in the executive committee meeting, proposed the grants for 71 local units as they have been declared disaster-hit zones.
Earlier on October 4, the government had declared 71 local units in 20 districts as disaster-hit crisis zones.
The local units from Okhaldhunga, Panchthar, Udaypur, Solukhumbu, Khotang, Ilam, Kavrepalanchok, Lalitpur, Dolakha, Sindhuli, Sindhupalchok, Makawanpur, Dhading, Ramechhap, Chitwan, Rautahat, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Siraha and Saptari districts have been declared disaster-hit crisis zones.
The meeting, chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also decided that nine of the worst-hit local units will receive Rs 10 million each, whereas 12 affected units would get Rs 7.5 million each, and the remaining 50 units will get Rs Rs5 million each, according to NDRRMA, that has been earlier criticized for its ‘inaction’.
The proposal will be forwarded to the National Council for Disaster Management, chaired by Prime Minister, in a meeting scheduled tomorrow (Friday).
According to NDRRMA, the funds will be used to restore essential services and purchase supplies such as foods and tarpaulins for relief and rescue operations.
The meeting, which was attended by Home Minister Lekhak, Health Minister Pradeep Paudel and Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rajkumar Gupta, today also decided to allocate a budget for procuring helicopters and equipment needed for disaster rescue operations. It also decided to request the government to offer free health insurance to the families of those who lost their lives in disaster-related incidents through the Council.
Incessant rainfall on September 27 and 28 ravaged various parts of the country including the Kathmandu Valley. At least 244 people were confirmed dead and 19 people remained unaccounted for during the disasters.
Govt recommends some 71 local units for disaster relief grants of up to Rs 10mn
