Hundreds of people have lost their lives to natural disasters. Despite the government’s annual proclamations of improved preparedness and disaster management strategies, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

The monsoon that arrived on June 10th this year has claimed lives, destroyed properties and livestock, and impacted the socio-economic conditions of the country. According to data from NDRRMA:

On 24th Asadh (8th July), a landslide in Sindhupalchowk resulted in two injuries. In Syangja, a 21-year-old woman was also injured due to a landslide. The following day, on 25th Asadh (9th July), a landslide in Rukum East injured a 40-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman, a 12-year-old girl, and left a 7-year-old boy missing. In Bajura, one man was injured, while in Baitadi, a 23-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man sustained injuries. Additionally, a flood in Kavrepalanchowk swept away a 45-year-old man, who was found dead after attempting to cross a bridge. In Kanchanpur, three girls aged 15, 16, and 17 were lost and later found dead in the Doda River, while a 7-month-old child also perished. A 23-year-old man was swept away by a stream and went missing.

On 26th Asadh (10th July), landslides in Panchthar resulted in five injuries, with one person injured in Bhojpur. In Udaypur, an 8-year-old girl died, and a 30-year-old woman was injured. Additionally, a 34-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl were injured in Udaypur. In Kaski, a 20-year-old man died. Lightning incidents caused injuries to a 26-year-old woman in Udaypur and a 30-year-old man and a 58-year-old man in Mahottari. Furthermore, two women died and one was injured while planting rice in Banke.

On 27th Asadh (11th July), a flood in Makwanpur resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl who was watching the flood. On 28th Asadh (12th July), a landslide in Kaski claimed the lives of seven people from one household and injured two, while another landslide killed three people from a different household and injured a 58-year-old man. In Baglung, a 58-year-old woman died due to a landslide. Floods caused the death of a 6-year-old boy in Siraha while he was playing near a stream, a 35-year-old man in Nawalparasi East, and a woman in Palpa. Additionally, a 48-year-old man went missing in Nawalparasi East. Lightning caused the death of a 40-year-old woman.

Just recently, a landslide left nearly 65 people missing, plunging their families into a state of grief and despair. As rescue teams scramble to find survivors amidst the debris, the inefficacy of the government’s disaster preparedness is glaringly evident.

Year after year, the government touts its initiatives and measures aimed at mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. Officials claim to have implemented advanced warning systems, improved infrastructure, and better-equipped emergency response teams. However, these measures seem to fall short when disaster strikes, leaving citizens vulnerable and unprotected.

Natural disasters, by their very nature, are unpredictable. However, history has shown that with adequate preparation and timely response, their impact can be significantly reduced. Yet, the repetitive cycle of destruction and loss indicates a persistent gap between the government’s promises and its actions.

The aftermath of the recent landslide has also exposed another troubling aspect of the situation: political leaders are more engrossed in power struggles than in addressing the urgent needs of their people. As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, politicians are seen engaging in heated debates and vying for positions of power. This blatant disregard for the plight of the citizens raises a critical question – what is the purpose of holding power if it does not translate into the well-being of the people?

The sight of leaders bickering for political dominance while citizens suffer is a stark reminder of the disconnection between those in power and the realities faced by ordinary people. How can a leader derive satisfaction from their position when their citizens are engulfed in grief?

Moreover, the economic impact of these disasters cannot be overlooked. Homes and livelihoods are destroyed, and entire communities are left in ruins. The cost of rebuilding and recovery places a significant burden on the government’s resources, which could have been mitigated with better preparation and timely intervention.

It is imperative for the government to reassess its disaster management strategies and take tangible actions to safeguard its citizens. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and ensuring that emergency response teams are adequately trained and equipped. Furthermore, a shift in political priorities is needed – one that places the welfare of the citizens above the pursuit of power.

Is it the natural disaster that is more harmful or the political system today?