JAJARKOT / At least four people have been killed and nine others injured after landslides triggered by continuous rainfall struck Risang and surrounding areas of Bheri Municipality–2 in Jajarkot district, causing extensive human and property losses.
Three of the injured have been discharged after receiving treatment, while six others remain under medical care at different health facilities. Hundreds of residents living in high-risk settlements have also been moved to safer locations as authorities warn that the threat of further landslides has not yet subsided.
The landslides occurred on Saturday evening following persistent rainfall that began at around 4 p.m. Mud, rocks and debris came rushing down hillsides in areas including Risang and Chisapani, burying people and damaging homes and temporary shelters.
During search and rescue operations, the bodies of Uma Singh Khatri, Rati Khatri and Bhim Bahadur Karki, all residents of Bheri Municipality–2, were recovered on Sunday, according to police.
A fourth victim, 52-year-old Kedar Karki, had initially been listed among the injured. He was first treated at Jajarkot District Hospital before being referred outside the district for further medical care. He later died while undergoing treatment at a medical college in Kohalpur, bringing the confirmed death toll to four.
Because Kedar Karki had initially been counted among the injured, early reports carried varying figures. According to the latest police-based information, nine injured survivors remain after his death, of whom three have already returned home while six are still receiving treatment.
Several Injured in Critical Condition
Among the injured is Ram Bahadur Shahi of Risang, who was reportedly working at a traditional blacksmith workshop when the landslide struck from above. He sustained injuries to his chest, head and arm and was transferred to Kohalpur for advanced treatment due to the seriousness of his condition.
Blacksmith workshop operator Siddhi Bahadur Kami suffered a back injury, while Bhadrakali Karki of Chisapani was also seriously hurt. Both were referred outside Jajarkot for further treatment.
Other injured residents include Manbir Chadara, Manisha BK and Motikala BK of Daurikanda in Bheri Municipality–1.
Police said Anita Karki, Yunish Shahi and Suntali Chadara were discharged after treatment and have returned home.
Hundreds Evacuated to Safer Areas
With rainfall continuing and the risk of additional slope failures increasing, local authorities and security agencies have moved hundreds of people from vulnerable settlements.
Around 150 to 200 residents from 60 to 70 households in the Risang area have been relocated to Tribhuvan Basic School. Dozens of residents from Jhyali Khet Danda, Chisapani, Rautere Danda and Risang Farula have also been shifted to safer locations.
The Nepali Army said it had assisted in the rescue and evacuation of more than 300 people affected by the landslides in and around Risang.
Teams from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed for search and rescue operations, evacuation of families at risk and preliminary assessment of damage.
The disaster has also damaged residential structures and temporary shelters in several areas.
In Syal, Bheri Municipality–3, a two-storey stone-and-mud house belonging to Purna Bahadur BK was completely destroyed. His family has been forced to take shelter with relatives.
Temporary shelters belonging to Bhairavi KC were also reportedly damaged by the landslide.
Roads Blocked, Rescue Operations Hampered
Heavy rainfall has triggered landslides along roads in Jajarkot and surrounding areas, disrupting transportation and complicating rescue efforts.
The Jajarkot–Dolpa section of the Bheri Corridor has been blocked at several locations, leaving road traffic disrupted. Parts of the corridor had already been affected by floods and landslides caused by days of persistent rain.
With roads and foot trails obstructed, security personnel have had to reach some affected settlements on foot.
Local authorities say several additional houses remain at risk and that a full assessment of property and infrastructure losses is still underway. The total scale of physical damage could therefore increase as more information emerges from remote areas.
Landslide Threat Remains High
Continuous rainfall has saturated and weakened the soil, leaving settlements on steep slopes in wards 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Bheri Municipality vulnerable to further landslides.
Displaced families are currently staying in schools, relatives’ homes and other temporary safe locations.
Meteorological authorities have repeatedly warned that intense rainfall over a short period can significantly increase the risk of landslides in mountainous terrain and cause sudden rises in local rivers and streams.
Residents say many homes in the affected areas are still unsafe to return to.
They have called on local, provincial and federal authorities to urgently move ahead with risk mapping, permanent relocation of vulnerable settlements, restoration of damaged roads, immediate relief distribution and long-term rehabilitation programs.
Jajarkot has faced repeated natural disasters in recent years, including earthquakes, heavy monsoon rainfall and destructive landslides.
The latest tragedy is another reminder of the vulnerability of remote mountain communities, where fragile terrain, intense rainfall and limited infrastructure combine to create persistent disaster risks.
Beyond immediate rescue and relief, disaster experts and affected communities are emphasizing the need for long-term geological risk assessment, safer settlement planning and stronger disaster-resilient infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies from recurring during future monsoon seasons.
