APF sets up monsoon response bases at 41 locations across the country

KATHMANDU: Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has set up 41 temporary monsoon response bases across the country, including in the Kathmandu Valley, to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure swift rescue operations.

According to APF Joint Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa, monsoon response bases have been set up at Kolmateshwar, Dharmasthali, Dhapasi, Lele (Lalitpur) and Sanothimi (Bhaktapur) in the Valley.

Similar bases have been set up in flood- and landslide-prone areas across all seven provinces, including Morang and Okhaldhunga of Koshi Province; Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautagahr, Bara and Parsa of Madhesh Province; Makwanpur, Kavre, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Dolakha and Rasuwa in Bagmati Province; Parbat, Gorkha, Nawalparasi East and Kaski in Gandaki Province; Bardiya, Rupandehi, Banke, Gulmi and Palpa in Lumbini Province; Jumla, Mugu and Jajarkot in Karnali Province; and Kailali and Doti in Sudurpashchim Province.

The APF has mobilized trained personnel and equipped each base with emergency rescue materials. “These bases have been strategically established in high-risk zones identified through hazard mapping,” Thapa said.

To support community-level disaster response, APF has trained 168,956 community informants who coordinate with security forces during emergencies. Additionally, 990 individuals have completed disaster volunteer training at various APF units across the country.

The APF has also activated a toll-free helpline (1114) and published contact numbers of local offices and commanders to facilitate prompt rescue and assistance.