KATHMANDU: The House of Representatives has unanimously passed a special motion concerning the Bhotekoshi flood disaster.
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal presented the motion during Wednesday’s meeting, which was endorsed unanimously.
While presenting the motion, Speaker Aryal paid tribute to both Nepali and foreign nationals who lost their lives in the disaster and expressed condolences to their bereaved families, relatives and respective countries. He also wished those injured in the disaster a speedy recovery.
Aryal urged the government and concerned agencies to remain sensitive to the economic and psychosocial conditions of disaster-affected people and ensure the safety and protection of women and children, along with easy access to essential services.
He said rising temperatures in the Himalayan region due to climate change are bringing changes to Nepal’s glaciers and glacial lakes.
The Speaker stressed the need for Nepal to establish its position internationally on national security challenges arising from climate change. He also urged the government to raise Nepal’s concerns more clearly and strongly in international discussions on climate change-related loss and damage.
“The Rasuwa disaster has taught us an important lesson. We must build a culture of preparedness, not just focus on post-disaster management. Regular monitoring of glacial lakes and glaciers must be prioritised,” he said.
Speaker Aryal called on all three levels of government, political parties, civil society and government mechanisms to mobilise resources and accelerate rescue efforts, as well as to rehabilitate displaced people.
The House observed a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi flood.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives will be held on September 3 at 1 pm.
