Home Minister Ramesh Akhtar has said that the government is in a state of readiness to prevent disaster damage and to protect citizens and property after the disaster.

The Home Minister said this after an agreement was reached between the Air Service Operators Association and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority regarding the use of private helicopters for air rescue in disaster response at Singha Darbar on Tuesday.

He mentioned that the disaster risk is high in Nepal and it is currently in the early stages of monsoon. Stating that there is a huge loss of people's wealth due to monsoon disasters, the home minister expressed the opinion that preparations are necessary for the safety of citizens and property based on past experience.

The Home Minister said, 'Where we are, the risk of disaster remains high. Now we are in the early stages of monsoon. Monsoon calamities cause huge loss of life. Our past experience has shown that we should be prepared to protect citizens and property from such situations. The agreement (MoU) that has been signed today is a very important thing. It has been said that if there is a risk anywhere in the Kathmandu Valley, the Air Service Operators' Association will provide rescue by helicopter free of charge. You have discharged a great public duty.'