Floods, landslides wreak havoc in Bajura

BAJURA:- Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall have caused widespread disruption in Bajura district, damaging infrastructure, blocking roads and putting several settlements at risk.

Heavy rain that began early on Friday morning, at around 5:00 am, triggered floods and landslides at several locations along the Sanfe–Martadi Road, including Selaghat, Rapka, Bire Khola and the area below the district jail. The landslides have blocked the road at multiple points, cutting off vehicular movement.

Following the road closure, all vehicles travelling towards Martadi from the lower region have been halted at Tipada, Paninaula and Jadanga. The disruption has made travel between the lower belt and the district headquarters in Martadi extremely difficult for local residents.

Naresh Bahadur Shahi, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Bajura, said continuous rainfall has led to repeated landslides, forcing the closure of the Sanfe–Martadi Road.

He said road clearance operations are currently underway, with the Department of Roads and the local municipality working to remove debris from the affected sections.

“Although landslide debris is being cleared from one side, fresh landslides continue to fall from above, making it difficult to reopen the road,” Shahi said.

Residents flee as floodwaters enter settlement

Floodwaters entered the Selaghat settlement in Badimalika Municipality-9, forcing residents to flee their homes.

The sudden flooding, caused by continuous rainfall, inundated houses early on Friday morning, leaving residents scrambling to reach safer areas.

The flooding and landslides have put the settlement at significant risk, leaving many residents uncertain about where they will live.

According to the District Police Office, no human casualties have been reported, although the disaster has caused substantial damage to property.

Approximately 13 households in Selaghat have been affected, with floodwaters entering homes and landslides threatening the settlement.

Although some houses have been damaged, families managed to move essential household belongings, including food supplies, clothing, kitchen utensils and other valuables, to safer places, according to Information Officer Shahi.

He said that of the 16 households identified as being at risk, three are currently in a highly vulnerable condition. Residents of those households have already been relocated to safer areas.

Parbati Thapa, the 30-year-old wife of local resident Prem Thapa, lost consciousness after floodwaters entered her home. She has been taken to the District Hospital in Bajura for treatment, Shahi said.

The floods and landslides have caused significant material losses and displaced several families. While immediate rehabilitation has not yet been possible, the District Administration Office said efforts are underway to provide displaced families with emergency relief, including tarpaulins, cooking utensils and food supplies, while ensuring they remain in safe locations.