KATHMANDU, April 29: A total of 34 people have died and 139 others sustained injuries in various natural disaster incidents across Nepal over the past 15 days.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 616 disaster-related incidents were recorded nationwide between April 14 and 29.
Data released by the NDRRMA shows that 829 families were affected during the period. Disasters caused partial damage to 250 houses and completely destroyed 65 others. In addition, 78 sheds were damaged and 213 livestock animals were lost. The total estimated economic damage from the incidents stands at around Rs 109.25 million.
Govt 'Frozen' in the Face of Forest Fires!
By category, fire incidents were the most frequent. A total of 267 fire incidents were reported, resulting in eight deaths and significant property loss. Fires alone caused damages estimated at nearly Rs 97.5 million.
Similarly, 74 lightning incidents claimed nine lives and injured 49 people. Strong windstorms affected 319 families through 44 separate incidents, causing damages worth around Rs 8.3 million, the authority said.
Other reported incidents included snakebites, animal attacks, forest fires, landslides, heavy rainfall and floods. Although the 128 forest fire incidents caused relatively limited human casualties, they resulted in notable physical damage.
According to the authority’s spokesperson Shanti Mahat, rising temperatures, dry weather conditions and human negligence have contributed to the recent increase in fire and forest fire incidents. She stressed the need for preparedness, public awareness and effective disaster management to reduce disaster risks.
