Monsoon Preparedness: Three Security Agencies Conduct Disaster Response Drill in Humla

Humla — The three security agencies in the district have conducted a demonstration of a disaster response preparedness drill aimed at spreading awareness on staying safe ahead of the monsoon season.

Led by the Shatrubhanjan Gulma Raniban, security personnel from all three agencies performed the drill on Monday in the Sim area of Simkot Rural Municipality-5, informed Gulmapati Haribabu Shrestha. He stated that the demonstration was organised to alert everyone, from the general public to all stakeholders, about potential disasters as the monsoon season approaches.

Personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police carried out the exercise, demonstrating four types of rescue techniques. These included fire control, rescue of victims buried in landslides, methods of evacuating patients injured after falling from high cliffs, and techniques for crossing rivers at height using ropes where no bridge is available. The drill is expected to facilitate rescue operations during the monsoon period.

Speaking at the event, Kharpunath Rural Municipality Chairperson Karnabahadur Rawal emphasised the necessity of such a demonstration, noting that Humla’s geography makes it difficult to cope once a disaster strikes. He stressed the need to conduct similar exercises at the rural level. Likewise, Chief District Officer Tekkumar Regmi stated that since disasters do not come with prior notice, it is essential to remain vigilant in advance. He pointed out the shortage of rescue materials during monsoon-induced disasters and emphasised the need for local rural municipalities to manage such resources.

The programme was attended by Joint Secretary Suresh Panthi of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Deputy Superintendent of Police Shankar Khadka, Armed Police Force Deputy Superintendent Pushkarbahadur Singh, leaders of political parties, and members of civil society, among others.