Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that necessary measures have been initiated in coordination with the security agencies, disaster management authorities and local administration to expedite rescue and relief efforts following the flooding in Rasuwa.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shah said the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Police personnel have already been mobilized for rescue operations in the affected areas.
He said the process of deploying additional personnel from other districts to the affected areas has also begun.
Prime Minister Shah said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) is actively coordinating the response, while necessary work is being carried out in coordination with medical teams, Nepal Scouts and the Nepal Red Cross Society. Preparations are also underway to send additional ambulances and health workers to the affected areas, he added.
He said chief district officers (CDOs) of all affected districts have been instructed to evacuate residents of downstream areas to safer locations immediately. He also said authorities are using SMS messages and phone calls to warn the public to move to safe locations.
Shah said all helicopters have been ordered to remain on standby in view of possible rescue and relief operations, while private helicopter companies have also been asked to remain prepared. According to him, a high-level meeting will be held shortly to take further necessary decisions.
Urging the public to stay in safe locations, Shah asked those unable to contact their relatives to wait for rescue-related updates from the concerned authorities.
He said people can contact 1234 for further information and details related to relief efforts.
