Floods devastate Kailali: 500 houses submerged, thousands affected

Kailali, August 2024 : Incessant rains over the past two days have led to severe flooding in Kailali district, submerging around 500 houses and displacing over 1,700 people.

The hardest-hit areas include Kailari Rural Municipality and Bhajani Municipality, where the floodwaters have caused extensive damage. Residents in these areas have been forced to take refuge in the upper floors of houses, schools, and ward offices as floodwaters show no signs of receding. The continuous downpour, which began on Wednesday, has resulted in a dramatic rise in water levels across all streams, rivers, and canals in the district, intensifying the crisis.

The District Administration Office of Kailali reported that around 400 houses in Bhajani Municipality alone have been inundated. Kailari Rural Municipality has also suffered significant damage, with several families displaced and seeking shelter in local ward offices. The situation turned tragic on Wednesday when 42-year-old Lokmaya Choudhary from Kailari Rural Municipality-5 was swept away by the floodwaters while attempting to leave her home. Fortunately, she was rescued and is currently receiving treatment at Nisarga Hospital in Dhangadhi. With the floodwaters still rising, local authorities have issued evacuation notices to residents in high-risk areas. The district administration, along with the police, armed forces, and local volunteers, is working tirelessly to carry out rescue operations and provide aid to those affected. However, the continuous rains and rising water levels are making rescue efforts increasingly challenging.

The residents of the flood-affected areas have endured sleepless nights as the relentless rains have left them in a state of constant distress. The authorities are urging everyone in flood-prone zones to prioritize safety and relocate to higher ground until the situation stabilizes. As the region grapples with the ongoing crisis, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and preventing further damage amid this natural disaster.