KHOTANG: Chekethum, located in Barahpokhari Rural Municipality-2 Suntale in Khotang district, is facing a risk of landslides.
The threat has intensified as a landslide originating from Mastpukhola, about one kilometer below the village, continues to move upwards towards Chekethum.
Padam Magar, the Ward President of Barahpokhari-2, reported that residents of Chekethum, situated above the landslide’s path, are living in constant fear.
The landslide, which began twenty-five years ago, has progressively moved towards the village.
“Landslides in this area typically occur every August and October. This year, the houses of Khadga Bahadur Thapamagar, Parshuram Magar, and Gopal Magar are particularly at risk as the landslide advances,” he said.
“If this trend persists, the entire village could be at risk of being engulfed by landslides. It is crucial that relevant authorities address this situation immediately.”
In 2015, as many as 28 houses in the lower part of Chekethum were displaced when the landslide from Mastpukhola, which receives continuous water flow during both the winter and dry seasons, gradually moved towards the village.
Of the 28 displaced households, 26 managed to purchase land from nearby locals and moved to safer locations.
However, in Chekethum’s steep terrain, numerous agricultural plantations have been washed away, with rainwater causing landslides after sunset.
Residents noted that landslides that do not occur during the rainy season often become more severe after the rain stops and the sun heats the ground, causing sudden and significant collapses.
They believe that the ongoing landslides in Chekethum are exacerbated by erosion of wetlands and kamere soils by riverbanks during the rainy season.
Comment