Kathmandu, July 14
The government fears the country could face more disastrous floods and landslides in the last week of July and the first week of October this year.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority further states the country’s response to the incidents could be difficult as the country and people are also fighting against the Covid-19 crisis, which is also likely to escalate in the coming weeks.
Whereas nearly 100 people have been died due to such incidents in the past month, the authority has recently prepared a monsoon preparedness and response action plan.
The authority predicts around three million incidents of floods and landslides are likely during the monsoon this year.
According to the action plan, southern districts of Province 2 and Province 5 are at the highest risk of inundation and floods. Besides, many hilly districts are also at risk, according to Anil Pokharel, the authority’s executive director.
The authority estimates around 11,000 houses are at the risk of landslides whereas 704 families immediately need relocation. Sindhupalchok and Dolakha districts are likely to be hit hardest by the landslides.
Meanwhile, the authority has also warned of the outbreak of waterborne and vector-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, jaundice, malaria, and dengue among others. Incidents of snakebite are likely to increase.
