Landslides wreak havoc across Rukum West, Taplejung, Kalikot

By Our Correspondents,Rukum West, Sept. 2: Continuous monsoon rains have triggered multiple landslides across Rukum West, causing heavy damage to schools, health facilities, private homes, and drinking water systems.

In Musikot, Adarsha Secondary School in Aathbiskot-14, Jyamirkot suffered severe structural damage after a huge boulder from a landslide struck the building. 

According to Headmaster Tilak Malla, the landslide destroyed furniture, benches, wiring, and other office equipment worth millions of rupees. Nearby Jana Jyoti Basic School in Banke is also at high risk, with further damage expected if the rain persists.

Similarly, Jana Ekata Secondary School in Banfikot-1 has seen its playground swept away. Newly built classrooms are now highly vulnerable to further landslides, Principal Govinda Malla reported, adding that teaching has been disrupted. Without preventive measures, the school fears additional destruction.

The Murmu Health Post in Triveni-7 has also been severely threatened. Continuous rainfall has eroded the compound and caused sections of the yard to sink. Public Health Officer Sushil Bista stated that the health post, built only last year, now at risk of collapse due to a nearby road cutting and ongoing ground subsidence.

Private homes across Sani Bheri Rural Municipality have been badly affected, particularly those which have developed cracks in previous earthquakes. In Bhadale settlement of Sanibheri-5, a two-story house belonging to Ananta Kusari was destroyed, while Basanta Kusari’s residence was also damaged. Landslides and floods swept away the drinking water pipeline supplying to Gudamdanda settlement, leaving 20 households without water. Locals reported that nearly 300 meters of pipe was washed away by a flooded stream, forcing residents to rely on untreated river water.

Meanwhile, according to Our District Correspondent Chandra Pandak from Taplejung, heavy rainfall on Sunday night triggered a landslide that displaced one family and put four more houses at high risk in Sirijangha-5, Pedang. 

Ward Chairperson Bam Prasad Gautam said that Hang Maya Thungim Limbu’s family was forced to evacuate, while four other houses remain in danger.

Livestock had to be rescued and relocated, though no human casualties were reported. Local resident Khel Prasad Budhakshetri urged authorities to provide immediate relief for the displaced family and ensure safety measures for others at risk.

In the same municipality, floodwaters from the Kabeli River swept away two excavators and two tipper trucks belonging to the Upper Kabeli Hydropower Project. Police said that the excavators were found submerged about 20 meters downstream, while the trucks remain missing.

Likewise, in Kalikot, the Karnali Highway has remained blocked at Gagane Khola since Saturday night after a massive boulder, carried by a landslide, buried the road. According to our District Correspondent Prem Raj Simkhada, authorities have struggled to reopen the vital highway, as continuous rain and recurring landslides hinder efforts.

Despite deploying excavators and attempting to break the boulder with mechanical breakers, clearance has not been possible. District Police Inspector Bir Bahadur Sunar said coordination with the Nepal Army is underway, with hopes of resuming traffic soon.

Travelers have been stranded for days, forced to walk long stretches on foot through difficult terrain. “There are no proper hotels along the way, and we are always worried about landslides. I had to walk a whole day before finding another vehicle,” said stranded passenger Hanshraj Sagyel, who was travelling from Surkhet to Raskot.

Road Division Chief Dipendra Kumar Chaudhary admitted the office had mobilised two excavators but had been unable to clear the blockage on time. He said that Gagane Khola remains highly vulnerable, as massive boulders continue to fall onto the road.

The Division Office, along with security agencies, has warned the public to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, especially at night, due to high risks of landslides. Authorities also cautioned that transport operators have been charging exorbitant fares, adding to the hardship of stranded passengers.