Kathmandu— For decades, the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal has been consistently impacted by monsoon-related disasters including deadly floods and landslides. These events have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and caused billions of rupees worth of damage to physical infrastructure since at least 1982. The region’s vulnerability is underscored by a history of large-scale incidents, from the 1982 Brahmayani River flood that killed 97 people to more recent tragedies like the 2021 Melamchi flood and landslides in September 2024.

A History of Devastating Floods

One of the earliest recorded major disasters occurred on August 31, 1982, when a massive flood on the Brahmayani River swept through the Kartike Phalam Sangu settlement, claiming 97 lives and washing away over 30 homes. The flood also destroyed a local police post and market. In 1987, another disaster struck at Gorthali, burying numerous people and destroying dozens of houses and settlements. More recently, on July 8, 2020, a flood in Bahrabise Municipality-5 killed two people, with seventeen remaining missing following the devastation along the Bhotekoshi River.

Landslides Claim Numerous Lives

Landslides have also been a recurring threat to Sindhupalchowk. The Jure landslide on August 2, 2014, stands as one of the deadliest, burying 145 people and causing billions of rupees in damage to infrastructure including homes, schools, and resorts. In 2020 alone, landslides claimed dozens more lives: 39 people were killed when a landslide buried Lidi settlement, five members of a family perished in Phuping village, nine died in Melamchi Municipality market, and two were lost after a house was buried in Baruwa. On September 13, 2020, thirty-one people went missing following landslides in Nagpuje, Bhirkharka, and other villages.

The 2015 Earthquake and Subsequent Flooding

Adding to the district’s woes, the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015, claimed 3,557 lives in Sindhupalchowk and completely destroyed over 90,000 structures. The aftermath of the quake left the region even more vulnerable to subsequent disasters. In June 2021, a massive landslide originating from Bhemathang in Helambu triggered the devastating Melamchi flood, killing 26 people and sweeping away bridges, fish farms, homes, and thousands of ropanis of land.

Recent Events and Preparedness Efforts

Most recently, rainfall on September 28, 2024, resulted in twelve deaths across the district, including five in Lisankhu Pakhar Rural Municipality. Despite this history of tragedy, officials report no disaster-related incidents during the most recent monsoon season. All twelve local governments within Sindhupalchowk are currently undertaking preparedness measures to mitigate future risks. Balkrishna Basnet, Mayor of Bahrabise Municipality, stated that his municipality is actively working on preventative activities aimed at minimizing loss of life and property during the rainy season.

The District Disaster Relief Committee reports that thousands have lost their lives and billions of rupees in property has been destroyed due to monsoon-related disasters over the years, highlighting the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.