Kathmandu: The government has announced that it will allocate 5.5 billion Nepalese Rupees to the earthquake-affected districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West for search, rescue, and relief efforts.

To address the immediate relief needs, the government has decided to allocate this amount through the District Disaster Management Fund. The funds will be transferred from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, following the approved criteria and standards for earthquake-affected areas.

A meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has also decided to ensure the availability of essential medicines and specialized medical professionals, including health manpower and necessary medications for immediate medical treatment. The Ministry of Health and Population will oversee the organization and management of this task, placing these resources on standby in Surkhet, Nepalgunj, and Kathmandu.

The decision to manage primary relief efforts, such as food, temporary shelter, tents, blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, etc., for the earthquake-affected districts, has also been made based on their immediate requirements.

In coordination with the District Disaster Management Committee, the Nepal Red Cross Society will provide necessary training to the available manpower for rapid data collection and management for emergency operations.

Considering the need for human resources and resource management for search, rescue, relief, and coordination in Surkhet and Nepalgunj, they will be operated as the primary and auxiliary centers, as required.

The government expresses gratitude for the assistance proposals received from foreign nations and organizations for earthquake search, rescue, relief, and cooperation. Further details and cooperation requests will be provided based on damage assessment. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport will ensure immediate repair and operation of the roads that were blocked due to the earthquake.

The decision has also been made to establish a one-door system under the District Disaster Management Committee for coordination, cooperation, and operation of search, rescue, and relief efforts.