KATHMANDU: A total of 395 settlements across 13 local levels in Kavrepalanchok district have been identified as highly vulnerable to monsoon-related disasters this year.
According to reports submitted to the district disaster management committee by local authorities, approximately 6,375 households residing in these settlements are at significant risk.
The committee estimates that around 23,045 people living in these high-risk areas could be affected by floods, landslides, and other monsoon hazards. This projection is based on data provided by local disaster management committees, elected representatives, and security personnel.
Chief District Officer and committee coordinator Umesh Dhakal emphasized that the flood-prone areas along the Roshi, Sunkoshi, Indrawati, Punyamata, Jhiku Khola, and Dapcha Khola rivers are especially vulnerable this year. He urged residents to remain alert and take precautionary measures during the monsoon season.
The highest number of high-risk settlements is reported in Roshi Rural Municipality with 56 settlements, followed by Namobuddha Municipality, which has 41 at-risk settlements.
Roshi alone has 1,438 households, comprising 3,362 people, at high risk. Namobuddha accounts for 1,142 households and 4,411 residents in vulnerable areas, while Panchkhal Municipality has 41 settlements with 869 households and 5,368 people at risk.
Urban areas are also affected. Banepa Municipality has 27 high-risk locations with 811 households and 2,261 residents vulnerable to disaster, while Panauti Municipality has 16 settlements with 286 households and 1,395 people at risk. The district headquarters, Dhulikhel, has 25 high-risk settlements with 521 households and 1,351 people potentially affected.
Other areas include Temal with 46 settlements at risk, comprising 308 households and 850 residents, and Bechan Chowk with 13 high-risk settlements affecting 77 households and 288 people. Mountainous regions like Mahabharat have 13 vulnerable settlements with 136 households and 569 residents at risk.
Khanikhola has 9 high-risk settlements with 47 households and 233 people, while Chaurideurali in the Koshi East region has 36 settlements with 276 households and 619 residents vulnerable to monsoon disasters. Bhumlu has 39 high-risk settlements comprising 221 households and 791 residents.
Last year, continuous heavy rainfall on September 27 to 28 led to floods and landslides in Kavrepalanchok, resulting in the deaths of 78 people and leaving six missing. In the same disaster, 75 people were injured.
Panauti Municipality suffered the highest loss with 17 fatalities. Five local levels — Panchkhal, Khanikhola, and Mahabharat — reported no human casualties.
Kavrepalanchok had the highest share of monsoon-related deaths nationwide, accounting for 31.56 percent of total fatalities. Among the deceased were 33 women, 29 men, nine boys, and seven girls, including 21 students.
The disaster management committee has urged local governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders to remain prepared for rescue, relief, and safe relocation efforts. To facilitate emergency response, 135 helipads have been prepared across the district, covering each ward or nearby areas. Various schools, clubs, community buildings, and open spaces have also been designated for use during emergencies.
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