15,000 families in Banke at risk of floods and erosion

By Siraj Khan

Nepalgunj, Aug. 4: Approximately 15,000 families in Banke district are at risk of floods and riverbank erosion this year.

Rupan Gyawali, the Information Officer at the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), said that around 15,000 households are at risk. He added that the committee has already started taking steps to keep people safe and reduce the risk.

He stated that DDMC, in coordination with all eight local levels in the district, has prepared and started implementing rescue and preparedness plans aimed at minimising the impact of floods and erosion.

Meanwhile, Chief District Officer and Chairperson of the DDMC, Dharma Raj Joshi, said that with the monsoon season already underway, various preparedness and risk reduction measures are being carried out to safeguard local communities.

He added that local levels have begun implementing their disaster management plans and are actively working to genertate public awareness. According to the committee, the areas at high risk of floods and erosion include Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, Narainapur Rural Municipality, and Duduwa Rural Municipality.

During periods of heavy rainfall, the public is urged to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer areas or elevated shelters arranged by local governments. 

Narendra Kumar Chaudhary, Chairperson of Duduwa Rural Municipality, noted that some areas have faced severe flooding for years, and the municipality has taken several steps to reduce the risks and losses.

Similarly, Chairperson of the Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, Tapta Paudel and the Chairperson of Narainapur Rural Municipality, Ishtiyaq Ahmad Sah, also reported that multiple preparedness efforts were being carried out to prevent damage from the Rapti River flooding.

According to the DDMC, this year, a total of 25,000 families in Banke are expected to be directly affected by monsoon-related disasters, including floods, cold waves, and others. Of them, 15,000 families are likely to be affected by floods and erosion alone.

Every year, the DDMC prepares a risk assessment for the entire district and implements an annual preparedness and response plan based on that evaluation.