Over 260 locations at risk of floods, landslides in Lamjung

By Naveen Raj Kuikel,Lamjung, July 25: More than 260 locations in Lamjung district have been identified to be at a risk of floods and landslides. Settlements and roads are among the most vulnerable areas.

According to the District Disaster Management Committee, not only residential areas but also government offices, schools and religious sites are under threat. 

As per the Monsoon Response and Preparedness Plan 2082 (2025), 2,825 households across the district, including in the district headquarters at Besisahar Municipality, are at risk of landslides.

Chief District Officer Madhav Prasad Pokharel said that over 20 locations in Besisahar Municipality are prone to landslides. Due to nearby streams and rivers, even parts of the district headquarters itself are at risk.

In Madhyanepal Municipality, over 39 locations are at risk, potentially affecting 810 households and more than 3,250 people. Similarly, in Sundarbazaar Municipality, over 16 locations are identified as vulnerable, possibly affecting 191 households.

Rainas Municipality has over 100 sites at risk, with the potential to affect more than 447 households and 3,100 people. Government offices, schools and religious institutions in Rainas are considered particularly vulnerable.

In Khwolasothar Rural Municipality, 16 locations are at risk, with a projection that 634 houses could be affected. In Dordi Rural Municipality, 35 locations are prone to floods and landslides.

Around 114 houses near the Shera market, where the municipal office is located, are under threat. Villages such as Hilebazaar, Purano Duwar and Upper Dailung are also at risk.

In Dudhpokhari Rural Municipality, 14 locations are at risk, potentially affecting 478 households. The preparedness plan also mentions that 465 students from three schools are at risk of floods and landslides. Marsyangdi Rural Municipality has 22 risky locations where around 151 households could be affected. Villages such as Pallotari, Arkhale and Upper Chipla have already experienced displacement due to previous landslides and remain at risk.

Despite frequent disasters causing both human and material losses, local residents complain that concrete action plans are still lacking. Purna Bahadur Gurung, Chair of the District Coordination Committee, said locals have expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in rescue and relief efforts during past disasters.

Chief District Officer Pokharel informed that the authorities have identified risk-prone areas and deployed security personnel with alerts in place. He said that necessary disaster response materials from the administration, police, army, Red Cross, Forest Office and local levels have been compiled and are ready for immediate use.