Banke intensifies preparations as monsoon looms

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Apr. 17: Authorities in Banke have created a disaster preparedness and response plan following the analysis of previous disaster incidents and the assessment of potential risks throughout the district. 

According to the District Disaster Management Committee, over 65,000 individuals are expected to be impacted solely by flooding this year. Rupan Gyawali, the Information Management Officer at the District Emergency Operations Centre, stated that 13,257 households across 52 wards within the district’s eight local bodies are projected to be affected this year. 

He further mentioned that the preparedness and response plan estimates that 65,442 residents from these households are at high risk of flooding. Under this plan, Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality and Duduwa Rural Municipality have been identified as the most flood-prone regions within Banke. 

All nine wards of Rapti Sonari are considered at risk, with an anticipated impact on 3,279 households and 17,695 individuals. Similarly, six wards within Duduwa Rural Municipality are projected to be affected, impacting 3,882 households and 19,852 residents. 

Flooding is also anticipated to affect two wards in Nepalgunj, seven wards in Kohalpur, six in Narainapur, eight in Baijanath, eight in Khajura, and six in Janaki. The forecast estimates that the flood could impact 510 households in Nepalgunj, 2,034 in Kohalpur, 391 in Narainapur, 1,540 in Baijanath, 1,495 in Khajura, and 326 in Janaki.

The committee indicated that most families and communities within the district remain vulnerable to disasters, including flooding caused by the West Rapti River, summer fires, and extended winter cold waves. 

Nevertheless, due to the recurrent nature of floods and their impact on large populations, flooding has been identified as the primary natural hazard affecting the district.