KATHMANDU: The government of Nepal has swiftly developed and implemented a heat wave risk reduction and response plan, as temperatures have been rising across the country. Anil Pokharel, Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), announced that the first response plan for heat waves, also known as 'loo', was completed and put into effect on Tuesday. This plan includes mobilizing health workers with necessary medicines from local municipalities, forming action teams, and conducting awareness programs to address the impact of heat waves.
The response plan aims to ensure that the district disaster management committees, local levels, and health offices are responsible for its implementation. Key components of the plan include organizing disaster prevention and mitigation dialogues at the district level, spreading awareness on how to avoid heatstroke, setting up health desks for water distribution, preparing local health institutions for first aid, managing public spaces to reduce congestion, warning people to limit exposure to the sun, providing cooling facilities at workplaces, limiting passenger numbers in public transport, arranging fans, and promoting work during cooler morning and evening hours.
The action plan was prepared by a team led by Bharatmani Pandey, Joint Secretary of the Authority's Policy Planning and Monitoring Division. The Ministry has instructed all districts to follow this plan. Previously, there were no specific government-led initiatives to tackle heat waves in Nepal, though the Red Cross had initiated some programs in Nepalgunj. The current response plan marks a significant step towards systematic and government-led action to address heat wave risks.
Chief Executive Officer Pokharel highlighted that heat waves cause more indirect damage than direct harm. In Nepal, the maximum temperature has been increasing by 0.052 percent annually, while the minimum temperature rises by 0.002 percent. The Terai region, comprising 22 districts, is particularly affected by heat waves. This year, meteorologists have predicted intensified heat and increased rainfall. Therefore, the response plan aims to protect citizens' lives and mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat on people's daily lives.
