The ongoing monsoon season has brought devastating floods and landslides to Nepal, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The country is reeling from the impact of heavy rainfall, with the death toll reaching approximately 47. Over 5,000 families have been displaced as a result of the disaster. In a proactive move, the Nepali government is collaborating with the Gen-Z generation to tackle the crisis and provide relief.
Gen-Z is actively involved in supporting the country’s efforts to cope with the floods and heavy rains. The Ministry of Home Affairs has mobilized Gen-Z volunteers to assist in coordinating the response to the floods and landslides that are affecting the country. Gen-Z leaders have been working alongside district officials since Friday evening.
When the meteorological department issued a warning of heavy rainfall and the associated risks of floods and landslides for three days, the Ministry of Home Affairs summoned several Gen-Z leaders to Singhadurbar. The leaders included Sudan Gurung, Yugen Rajbhandari, and Bhavana Raut, among others. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal personally met with them to discuss the situation. An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that, given the severity of the situation, the government sought help from every possible source.
Information disseminated through social media has been instrumental in facilitating prompt action. The timely dissemination of information by young Sagar Dhakal on social media regarding the situation in Panchthar allowed for swift intervention. The Home Department has stated that this information was critical to informing the authorities of the situation in a timely manner.
Following Dhakal’s post, the Panchthar District Administration Office swiftly mobilized. Arun Pokharel, the Chief District Officer of Panchthar, explained that the office was in constant communication with the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the timely information allowed for the rescue of people. Two people were rescued with the help of a military helicopter. The ministry is using Gen-Z leaders to collect and share information, assigning them to key roles.
An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs has said that the ministry has been flooded with calls from various districts, and there is a significant coordination effort underway. Consequently, efforts were made to deploy resources to the most sensitive areas on Saturday night. Gen-Z leader Sudan Gurung also took part in a meeting held by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Saturday afternoon.
In addition, he uploaded a video to his Facebook page, providing instructions to NEA CEO Dinesh Bhatta. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the deployment of ambulances, urging that it should be verified whether ambulances are available in the impacted areas and, if so, they should be dispatched for rescue operations.
According to reports in Nepali media, Ilam has been the hardest hit by the landslides. According to Central Police Spokesperson Binod Ghimire, landslides in Ilam claimed 37 lives over two days, and five people were injured. Rainfall measurements on Sunday (in 24 hours): Mai Pokhari Station, Ilam: 269.4 mm, Ilam Tea Garden Station: 272.6 mm, Kaniyam: 275 mm. The weather department predicts a reduction in rainfall nationwide beginning on Monday.