Kathmandu: In anticipation of increased disaster risks during the monsoon season, the Armed Police Force (APF) has established 41 temporary monsoon response bases across the country. These bases are designed to provide immediate rescue and relief to citizens affected by floods, landslides, and other monsoon-related disasters.

According to APF Central Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General Kalidas Dhauwaji, the response bases have been strategically placed in disaster-prone areas identified through risk assessments. In the Kathmandu Valley, bases have been set up in Kolmateshwor, Dharmasthali, Dhapasi, Lele (Lalitpur), and Sanothimi (Bhaktapur).

Beyond the Valley, the APF has established bases in several high-risk districts including:

-Koshi Province: Morang, Okhaldhunga

-Madhesh Province: Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, and Parsa

-Bagmati Province: Makawanpur, Kavre, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Dolakha, and Rasuwa

-Gandaki Province: Parbat, Gorkha, Nawalparasi, and Kaski

-Lumbini Province: Bardiya, Rupandehi, Banke, Gulmi, and Palpa

-Karnali Province: Jumla, Mugu, and Jajarkot

-Sudurpaschim Province: Kailali and Doti

Each base is equipped with trained personnel and disaster relief equipment, ensuring rapid response capabilities. In addition to deploying security forces, the APF has emphasized community participation in disaster preparedness. To that end, they have developed 168,956 disaster indicators and trained 990 community disaster volunteers nationwide.

Spokesperson Dhauwaji stressed that the APF is committed to minimizing disaster-related damage and loss of life through quick deployment, coordinated rescue efforts, and active collaboration with local communities.