Nepal is currently grappling with a major crisis as heavy rainfall has caused widespread floods and landslides. These events have had a devastating impact, leading to approximately 47 deaths and displacing over 5,000 families. In response to the disaster, the government has sought assistance from the Gen-Z generation to help with relief and recovery efforts.
Gen-Z is actively contributing to the ongoing relief efforts, assisting in the face of floods and heavy rains. The Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed Gen-Z volunteers to aid in coordinating the response to the floods and landslides affecting the country. These Gen-Z leaders have been working in collaboration with district officials since Friday evening.
When the weather department issued a warning regarding heavy rainfall and the likelihood of floods and landslides for three days, the Ministry of Home Affairs convened several Gen-Z leaders at Singhadurbar. Among those present were Sudan Gurung, Yugen Rajbhandari, and Bhavana Raut. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal personally held discussions with them. An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the government sought assistance from all possible sources to ensure a comprehensive response to the crisis.
The use of social media has been instrumental in facilitating rapid response efforts. A social media post from Sagar Dhakal, a young individual, reporting the situation in Panchthar, was critical in accelerating actions. The timely dissemination of information, according to the Home Department, allowed for a prompt response.
Following Dhakal’s post, the Panchthar District Administration Office mobilized resources immediately. Arun Pokharel, the Chief District Officer of Panchthar, noted that the office was in constant communication with the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the timely information allowed for the successful rescue of people. Two individuals were rescued with the assistance of a military helicopter. The ministry has involved Gen-Z leaders in gathering and sharing information, assigning them to key roles.
A Ministry of Home Affairs official mentioned that the ministry had received numerous calls from various districts, requiring significant coordination efforts. The priority was to deploy resources to the most vulnerable areas on Saturday night. Sudan Gurung, a Gen-Z leader, also took part in a meeting held by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Saturday afternoon.
He also shared a video on Facebook, providing instructions to NEA CEO Dinesh Bhatta and highlighting the importance of prioritizing ambulance deployment. He emphasized the need to determine whether ambulances were available in the affected areas and, if so, to ensure their immediate dispatch for rescue operations.
According to Nepali media reports, Ilam has been the hardest hit by the landslides. According to Central Police Spokesperson Binod Ghimire, landslides in Ilam resulted in 37 deaths over two days, with five injuries. Rainfall measurements on Sunday (in 24 hours): Mai Pokhari Station, Ilam: 269.4 mm, Ilam Tea Garden Station: 272.6 mm, Kaniyam: 275 mm. The weather department expects a reduction in rainfall across the country starting Monday.