Sankhuwasabha, June 29
Continuous rainfall has triggered floods and landslides in Silichong Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha, disrupting electricity, communication and transportation services while displacing six households.
The disaster has also forced the closure of classes at two schools after landslides caused significant damage to school buildings and educational materials.
According to Silichong Rural Municipality Chairperson Bhupal Raj Mewahang, heavy floods and landslides have cut off road access to the municipal headquarters and disrupted the central power supply, micro-hydropower plants, internet and communication services, severely affecting public service delivery.
All roads and foot trails within the municipality have been blocked by landslides, while two local micro-hydropower projects have been destroyed by floodwaters. Around 70 per cent of communication services have also been disrupted, further impacting daily life.
A landslide that struck Sisuwakhola in Ward No. 1 damaged Kalika Secondary School in Newatar. Fifteen classrooms developed major cracks, and educational materials were destroyed, forcing the suspension of classes for all 170 students enrolled at the school.
Similarly, Bageshwari Basic School in Ward No. 4 also sustained heavy damage to its buildings and learning materials. Chairperson Mewahang said both schools have been forced to suspend teaching activities and may need to be relocated to safer locations due to the high risk of further landslides.
The rural municipality has appealed to the Koshi Provincial Government and the federal government for immediate assistance to monitor affected settlements, relocate residents to safer areas, distribute relief and support rehabilitation efforts.
Six households displaced, over 100 at risk
Floods and landslides have displaced six households in Sisuwakhola, Ward No. 1. The displaced families have been moved to safer locations.
More than 100 houses in Tenchong, Hoyengla, Chepchewa, Newatar, Yangsim and Gogane are at high risk of landslides, according to Chairperson Mewahang. Residents of these settlements have left their homes and are taking shelter collectively in safer areas.
Although a joint team comprising local representatives, ward offices, the rural municipality and security agencies is monitoring the affected areas, ongoing rainfall and blocked roads have made rescue and relief operations difficult.
The rural municipality has urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain in safe locations and exercise extreme caution as the risk of further landslides remains high.
