Bichhya locals plead for relief amid repeated natural disasters

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, Nov.30: Residents of Bichhya in Himali Rural Municipality-3, located in the north-eastern part of Bajura district, continue to suffer every year due to natural disasters.

For the past two to three years, earthquakes, floods and landslides have repeatedly left locals homeless. On May 5, 2023, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck at 1:17 pm, putting most houses in the area at risk. Later, on August 13, 2025, a flood in the Bichhya River displaced nearly 41 households in Bichhya Ward No.1 and Rugin Ward No. 5.

As earthquakes in winter and floods and landslides during the monsoon continue to displace families, many locals are now forced to live under tarpaulin shelters even in the cold season.

Tents distributed by the local government have provided some temporary relief, but no arrangements for proper housing have been made, said Dhana Bohara, a resident of Bichhya-1.

“Last year, the earthquake cracked our house. This year, on the night of August 13, the flood swept it away completely. Now, in this cold, we are spending our nights under tents,” she said.

She added that the local government provided food, clothing and other relief items. “If the provincial and federal governments could arrange housing support, we would not have to endure this cold under tents.”

Dozens of houses were damaged in the May 2023 earthquake. Then, the August 2025 flood and landslide in Bichhya swept away eight houses and left nine others at high risk. In Kawaadi-5, 16 houses were washed away and 32 were completely damaged. Altogether, 24 houses were cracked and 41 were fully destroyed.

This part of Bajura remains cold even during the monsoon, and winter is even harsher. Snowfall begins soon after winter rain. Yet, locals remain compelled to spend their nights under tarpaulins in freezing temperatures.

Natural disasters have left the community in deep distress. Winter earthquakes and monsoon floods repeatedly affect their lives, leaving many families displaced. “We have supported them as much as possible,” said local officials.

Families are still waiting for proper housing. “We have requested the District Disaster Management Committee, the provincial government and the federal government for funds to rebuild houses, but there has been no response,” said Himali Rural Municipality Chairperson Govind Bahadur Malla.

Many households in Bichhya and Rugin have been displaced. To manage housing for them, the District Disaster Management Committee has sent a formal request to the Ministry of Home Affairs, said Chief District Officer Dorendra Niraula.