KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has held discussions with officials of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and Hydrology and Resource Research Center regarding the recent weather and possible risk of floods in different parts of the country including Rasuwa and Nuwakot.

On the occasion, Minister Shrestha inquired about the current situation of weather, possibility of rainfall, water level in rivers and streams and flood forecast especially in Rasuwa and Nuwakot areas.

He also consulted with the officials on how to make the rescue and relief operations in the vulnerable areas more safe and effective as per the weather conditions.

Meteorological and hydrological officials have advised to adopt high alertness in rescue operations, saying that although there is no immediate high risk, the risk is not completely over. They said that rescue and other humanitarian activities should be carried out on the basis of early warning by keeping a constant watch on the possibility of sudden changes in the weather.

Officials have informed Minister Shrestha that they are constantly analyzing the data related to weather, rainfall and river water levels while they are on high alert. They also said that timely information is being disseminated to the people living in downstream and sensitive areas to reduce the possible risks.

Minister Shrestha stressed on the need of continuous coordination among all agencies to minimize possible damages by linking weather and hydrology warning with rescue and risk management in an effective way.