Nearly 8,000 police deployed with technology in flood-affected areas, ‘focal desks’ in hospitals and airports

September 1, Kathmandu.

Following the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River, the government has deployed 7,992 police personnel by Tuesday for the search of citizens, protection of lives and property, and management of rescue and relief in the affected areas.

A large number of police teams from various provinces and units have been mobilized to address the multifaceted problems in the affected areas and to mitigate potential disaster risks.

Among the deployed police, 1,602 are from Police Headquarters, 2,182 from Bagmati Province Police Office, 1,309 from Gandaki Province, 640 from Lumbini Province, and 754 from Kathmandu Valley Police Office. Similarly, 397 personnel from Police Hospital Maharajgunj, 450 from National Police Training Academy Maharajgunj, 356 from Police Academy, and 222 from Prayutake Jarghah have been deployed.

To ensure effective performance in the flood-affected areas, an ‘Emergency Coordination Center’ has been established at the Police Headquarters. Likewise, a ‘Disaster Rescue and Coordination Information Management Center’ operating 24 hours a day under the leadership of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) has also been formed for all tasks and data management related to this disaster.

‘Focal desks’ and security arrangements in hospitals and airports

During the disaster, the police are fulfilling their institutional responsibility by establishing ‘focal desks’ in hospitals and airports for the treatment of the injured and coordination with the families of the deceased. Similarly, special police teams led by Deputy Superintendents of Police have been deployed in various hospitals, including Kathmandu, where the injured are being treated and bodies are being collected. 30 police personnel have been deployed to Bir Hospital, 13 to Civil Hospital, and 5 to Kathmandu Medical College. 62 personnel have been deployed to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital under the leadership of a Deputy Inspector General of Police. At Tribhuvan International Airport, a desk has been established under the leadership of a Superintendent of Police with 8 police personnel to manage the bodies of domestic and foreign citizens and prepare records of the injured.

Similarly, 8 police personnel led by a Superintendent of Police (SP) have been deployed to the desk for managing the bodies of domestic and foreign citizens and preparing records of the injured.

Scientific investigation and use of technology

High use of technology has been made to intensify search and investigation work in the flood-affected areas. A total of 12 drones have been deployed in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. Monitoring and search are also being carried out with the help of drones in remote areas where foot patrolling is difficult.

Likewise, 5 trained dogs have been used for search operations, and 7 satellite phones have been brought into use for information exchange in remote areas with communication disruption. 67 police personnel have been deployed for on-site investigation and inventory/statement work, and 715 for body identification and management in various districts. A team including ‘Scene of Crime Officers’ and a special team of forensic experts for scientific testing, including DNA of bodies, have been deployed in the affected areas. A team of specialist doctors from Nepal Police Hospital has also been deployed to the affected areas for immediate treatment of the injured.

Arrest of those involved in crimes and fraud during the flood

The police have tightened security to control anarchic activities such as theft, looting, and fraud that occur immediately after a flood. In this process, accused persons involved in inhumane activities have been arrested from various districts.

After a video went viral on social media showing gold earrings and jewelry being removed from the body of a woman swept away by the Narayani River, Chitwan police investigated and arrested 25-year-old Madan Gurung and 38-year-old Umesh Chaudhary from Madanpur, Chitwan, and are conducting further investigation. The police have stated that such looting and inhumane activities against victims during a disaster will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Similarly, 29 locals were taken into custody by the police and Rs 9,268,505 was recovered from them for embezzling cash by breaking open bank safes found along the Trishuli River bank at Belkhukhola, Galchhi-4, Dhading, after being swept away by the flood.

Likewise, 32-year-old Srijan Karki from Those Bazar, Gokulganga-2, Ramechhap, who tried to collect money through fake posts on social media Facebook in the name of flood victims, has been arrested by the police.

Similarly, a closed safe measuring 19 inches in length and 16 inches in width was found buried under sand and mud during road clearing at Baireni Bazar, Galchhi-6, which has been safely kept at Baireni Police Post. Another unopened safe was found on the banks of the Trishuli River in Parewatar Malekhu, and efforts are ongoing to retrieve another safe seen in Malekhu Khola.

Physical damage and obstruction situation

The police are paying special attention to mitigating potential risks as the floodwaters flow from the hills towards the plains. 757 police personnel have been deployed in the vicinity of the Narayani River in Chitwan alone. In addition, the police are actively involved in removing physical obstructions and managing recovered materials.

In this sensitive time of disaster, the Nepal Police is continuously engaged in ensuring the safety of citizens, facilitating relief distribution, and rescuing victims. The police are also conducting various community awareness programs, urging citizens in the affected areas to remain calm.

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