KAVREPALANCHOWK: A total of 479 settlements across Kavrepalanchowk’s 13 local levels have been identified as highly vulnerable to monsoon-induced disasters, according to a report presented at a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee.
Assistant Chief District Officer Bholanath Guragain presented the local-level risk assessment report, which showed that 479 settlements are at high risk, 209 are located in open areas, and 192 are considered relatively safe. The report also noted that helipads have been designated in 81 settlements to facilitate emergency rescue operations.
Chief District Officer Gopal Kumar Adhikari said it would not be possible to relocate all high-risk settlements immediately. “Relocation cannot be carried out under the current circumstances. If disasters affect these settlements, local security agencies will monitor the situation and conduct rapid response operations,” he said, adding that the district lacks sufficient rescue equipment and resources.
The meeting urged local governments to provide disaster-response training to youths, procure essential rescue and relief materials, and strengthen preparedness measures ahead of the monsoon season.
According to the committee, the risk assessment was prepared based on information collected from local disaster management committees, elected representatives and security agencies. The committee estimates that a significant number of residents could be affected by floods and landslides during this year’s monsoon.
“People living along the banks of the Roshi, Sunkoshi, Indrawati, Punyamata, Jhikukhola, Dapchakhola and other rivers are particularly vulnerable to floods and landslides, and we have been urging them to remain alert,” said CDO Adhikari.
The report indicates that all 13 local levels in the district face varying degrees of flood and landslide risk. The highest number of vulnerable settlements, around 100, has been identified in one local unit, while Chauri Deurali Rural Municipality has the fewest, with five settlements at high risk.
The assessment further shows that 25 families are at risk in Dhulikhel Municipality, 50 each in Banepa and Namobuddha municipalities, 83 in Panchkhal Municipality, 15 each in Panauti and Mandandeupur municipalities, 35 in Temal Rural Municipality, 12 in Roshi Rural Municipality, 40 in Bhumlu Rural Municipality, 30 in Khanikhola Rural Municipality and 19 in Mahabharat Rural Municipality.
Kavrepalanchok suffered heavy losses during the devastating floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall on September 26, 27 and 28, 2024. According to official records, 78 people lost their lives, six remain missing and 75 were injured.
Panauti Municipality recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 17 deaths. No human casualties were reported in Panchkhal, Khanikhola and Mahabharat during the disaster. Among the deceased were 33 women, 29 men, nine boys and seven girls, including 21 students.
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