Dolakha settlements at risk as floods erode riverbanks, wash away highway section

Flash floods in northern Dolakha, Nepal, have caused severe riverbank erosion, endangering the Langota and Kharekhola settlements in Gaurishankar Rural Municipality. Floodwaters from the Khare river surged on Wednesday night, leaving more than 15 houses in Langota at immediate risk. Residents have begun relocating their belongings to safer ground as the river continues to eat away at the settlement.

"The river is still cutting into the settlement, and there is a real risk that parts of the village could be washed away," said resident Ramesh Shrestha. The flooding also threatens Gurumphi Bazaar and the Sumna settlement, where erosion along the river persists. Residents who evacuated on Wednesday night returned Thursday morning to move their belongings from homes as a precaution.

The floods have also caused significant infrastructure damage. The road leading to the affected areas is completely impassable, and electricity supply has been disrupted after floodwaters swept away power poles. Further complicating matters, a section of the Pushpalal Highway at Kirnetar was washed away by flooding in the Tamakoshi river. This vital route, which also served as an alternative to the BP Highway, has been completely severed, cutting off road access between Dolakha and the Tarai and Koshi Province.

Police have suspended all vehicular traffic on the damaged highway. Authorities are working to establish an alternative route and restore traffic flow as quickly as possible.

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The river is still cutting into the settlement, and there is a real risk that parts of the village could be washed away.