KATHMANDU: The National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority (NDRRA) has reported a sharp rise in fire incidents across the country and has urged the public to take precautionary measures.
According to the Authority, 23 disaster incidents were recorded nationwide between 10 a.m. on February 28 and the morning of March 1. Of these, 22 were fire-related, while only one involved a landslide.
The NDRRA stated that several of the fires could have been prevented with basic safety precautions. The incidents resulted in one death and five injuries, with estimated property damage amounting to Rs 5.25 million.
Fires were reported in Panchthar, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Dhankuta. Two separate incidents each occurred in Saptari, Dhanusha, Parsa, and Kailali, while single incidents were recorded in Sarlahi, Makawanpur, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Gorkha, Lamjung, Palpa, and Pyuthan.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fires were caused by electrical short circuits and unattended oil lamps. Authorities have warned that dry winter conditions have increased the risk of fires and have called on citizens to exercise extra caution.
Data from recent days also show a rising trend. On February 28, seven of the eight recorded disaster incidents were fire-related, while on Falgun 27, a total of 17 out of 19 reported incidents involved fires, highlighting a noticeable surge nationwide.
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