SURKHET: Karnali Province has witnessed the deaths of 619 people and property losses worth billions over the past decade due to various natural disasters, according to government data.
Figures released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Karnali Province show that between 2015 and 2024, 619 people lost their lives in disaster-related incidents. Over the same period, 68 individuals went missing and 1,266 others were injured.
Jajarkot district recorded the highest death toll, with 184 fatalities, while Mugu reported the lowest at 26 deaths. Other heavily affected districts include Rukum (92 deaths), Kalikot (84), Jumla (47), Humla (46), Salyan (39), Dailekh (36), Dolpa (35), and Surkhet (30).
The statistics show that landslides were the deadliest disaster, claiming 180 lives in the past decade. Earthquakes killed 154 people, fires killed 64, lightning killed 46, floods killed 39, epidemics killed 34, altitude sickness killed 25, forest fires killed 15, drowning killed 14, and heavy rainfall killed 13.
Disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, fires, lightning, floods, and epidemics accounted for the most severe human and material losses. Other calamities like river erosion, avalanches, storms, animal attacks, crop disease, and hailstorms also caused significant damage. Scientific studies suggest that Karnali lies in a high-risk seismic zone, making it especially vulnerable to earthquakes.
In terms of property damage, the province recorded an estimated loss of around Rs 3.5 billion over the past decade, with earthquakes alone accounting for more than Rs 2.47 billion. The devastating Jajarkot earthquake last year was cited as the most destructive.
To mitigate future risks, the provincial government has been implementing disaster preparedness and response plans. Uttam Gautam, Under-Secretary at the Ministry, said the province is working on pre-monsoon preparedness plans to minimize potential monsoon-related disasters.
As part of its awareness campaign, the government is preparing to distribute handbooks to 13,000 students from grades 9 to 12, providing information on disaster preparedness and safety measures. Gautam added that several policy measures have also been introduced to strengthen disaster risk reduction efforts.
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