18 287 households in Nepal living under high landslide hazard risks

According to the Monsoon Preparedness Assessment 2016 carried out by Shelter Cluster Nepal, as many as 18 287 households in 14 districts of Nepal most affected by the massive M8.1 earthquake last year are living under high landslide hazard risks. The earthquake triggered more than 4 000 landslides in earthquake-affected and adjoining districts.

Sindhupalchok has the highest number of households at 5 267 that are at high risk of landslide hazard followed by Dhading (3 585), Gorkha (2 814), Kavre (2 409), Makawanpur (1 152),  Rasuwa (1 039) and Sindhuli (881). In total, about 91 433 individuals are living under high landslide hazard.

In addition, 28 608 households in 14 districts have been listed as living under moderate risk to landslide hazards. In total, this is 143 320 individuals living under moderate risk.

31 476 households, or 157 378 individuals, are living in districts under flood hazard.

The assessment also found that 46 894 households are living below the poverty line in temporary shelters or collective sites. They are most likely to need assistance in the event of monsoon impacts. Poorer families are particularly likely to be living in low quality shelters that are unable to withstand heavy winds, and generally lack access to land that is safe from landslide and flooding.

The Central Disaster Relief Committee (CDRC) for disaster management, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), said at least 102 people have died in over three months from floods and landslides in 42 districts.

Pyuthan district was the hardest hit with 31 deaths so far.

Sources: The Kathmandu Post / eKantipur, GSC Nepal

Featured image: Landslide in Nepal on July 27, 2016. Credit: eKantipur