Oli faces backlash over previous remarks as PM Karki cabinet earns praise for effective disaster response

KATHMANDU — A year-old remark by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resurfaced on social media, drawing sharp criticism as the current government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki wins widespread praise for minimizing losses from recent floods and landslides through proactive disaster preparedness.

Last year’s October (Ashoj 12) floods and landslides caused devastating human and physical losses, which many blamed on government negligence and poor coordination. At the time, Oli, responding to media questions, had remarked, “The government did not know where landslides would occur. Such things cannot be known. We did not anticipate such heavy flooding in Kathmandu either.” The statement sparked public outrage, viewed as an irresponsible response from the then prime minister.

In contrast, the current government’s timely actions following advance warnings from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology have been credited for saving lives and infrastructure. Social media users are now juxtaposing Oli’s dismissive tone with Karki’s decisive leadership.

Experts say the contrast in disaster response between the two governments is striking. During Oli’s two-thirds majority government, Nepal recorded over Rs 17 billion in damages, while under Karki’s six-month-old administration, the losses have been limited to Rs 100 million.

Proactive Measures Credited for Preventing Major Losses

Following the department’s flood alerts on Ashoj 17 and 18, the Karki government immediately mobilized all disaster response mechanisms. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal and PM Karki released video messages urging citizens to remain alert. Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising personally inspected affected areas, coordinating road clearance operations in real time.

Disaster management experts have hailed the government’s swift, on-the-ground actions as a model of effective governance. “Last year’s monsoon brought massive destruction, but this time we avoided major losses. The government deserves credit,” said climate risk researcher Ngamindra Dahal.

Dahal outlined three key reasons for the minimized impact this year: improved coordination in weather information dissemination, better response systems, and decisive government actions. “The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology communicated with higher confidence and continuous monitoring this time. That made a significant difference,” Dahal said.

Pradeep Khatiwada, who has worked in disaster risk reduction for 13 years, said for the first time the government’s coordination and leadership demonstrated how effective crisis management can prevent large-scale disasters. “We’re working day and night to ensure rapid response as rainfall continues,” he said.

Rainfall Data and Loss Assessment

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the heaviest rainfall between Saturday and Sunday morning was recorded in Maheshpur, Rautahat (358 mm), followed by Himali (332.6 mm) and Kanyam Tea Estate (314.2 mm) in Ilam, and Mudali (328.6 mm) and Gaur (315 mm) in Parsa. Over 100 mm rainfall was recorded in 68 stations across the country, with five locations exceeding 300 mm.

Despite heavy rainfall, the damages were comparatively lower. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure reported around Rs 100 million in property losses and 49 fatalities, with 37 deaths in Ilam alone. Seven people remain missing and over 20 are injured.

Last year’s toll stood at 242 deaths, 22 missing, and widespread infrastructure damage amounting to Rs 17 billion — including Rs 3.55 billion in drinking water systems, Rs 2.52 billion in roads, Rs 4 billion in energy infrastructure, and Rs 6 billion in agriculture and livestock. Insurance companies recorded claims exceeding Rs 12.78 billion.

Coordinated Emergency Actions

In a stark departure from last year’s delay — when the cabinet met only on the third day after disaster struck — the Karki government took immediate action. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) swiftly restricted vehicular movement on high-risk highways for three days to prevent accidents.

The coordination among security forces was also notable. Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Army conducted preemptive evacuations in vulnerable zones. The Helicopter Operators’ Association issued an emergency statement ensuring immediate rescue availability.

Traffic police enforced travel bans at key exit points from Kathmandu, including Nagdhunga, which prevented potential disasters along the Prithvi Highway and Muglin–Narayangadh corridor — both historically prone to landslides.

Rapid Road Clearance and Restoration

Minister Ghising said all available human and mechanical resources have been deployed to reopen obstructed highways. “From yesterday, machines and personnel have been mobilized to clear obstructions along the Kathmandu–Pokhara–Narayangadh corridors. We have already restored movement on the Prithvi Highway and are working to reopen the BP Highway and Mechi Highway soon,” he said.

The ministry confirmed that field engineers, contractors, and local administrations are working round the clock to restore full connectivity.

Public Confidence Rebounds

Ordinary citizens, especially those living in flood- and landslide-prone regions, have expressed relief and renewed trust in the government’s disaster preparedness. Many shared on social media that, unlike previous years when they stayed awake all night fearing landslides, they felt safer this time due to early warnings and visible government presence.

For the first time in years, the Nepali public is praising the government — not for rescue after tragedy, but for preventing one.