Floods and landslides displace families, damage homes in Panchthar’s Yangwarak area

Continuous rainfall has caused significant damage due to floods and landslides in Yangwarak Rural Municipality, Panchthar. The heavy rain since Friday night has increased the water flow in the Tamor and Dobhane rivers, and landslides in the hilly areas have disrupted local life.

The floods and landslides have damaged dozens of physical structures, and the disruption of communication has made rescue and relief efforts challenging. In Yangwarak-1, Lamba Khola, the homes of three families have been completely swept away by the disaster.

The two-story houses of Mohanlal Khawas, Kabir Khawas, and Gangaprasad Beg have been washed away, leaving them homeless. Thirteen members of these families have been displaced and are currently taking shelter in the homes of neighbors. Additionally, three cows in Kabir Khawas’s shed were also swept away by the flood.

Furthermore, the flood has swept away an under-construction concrete motorable bridge connecting Panchthar and Tehrathum, and damaged structures of hydropower projects operating in Yangwarak Rural Municipality. Damage to suspension and concrete bridges across various streams has halted local movement. The Chyangthapu-Tharpu section of the Mid-Hill Highway has also been completely obstructed due to landslides.

The disruption of telephone services in the area following the floods and landslides has made it difficult to collect a complete assessment of the damage, according to DSP Anish Kumar Karn of the District Police Office, Panchthar.