Eight Kalikot local units face high landslide risk

Kalikot district in Nepal faces a severe landslide threat, with eight out of nine local administrative units identified as high-risk areas. Only Raskot Municipality is considered at moderate risk. This vulnerability stems from the region's inherently fragile geology, exacerbated by rapid and poorly engineered rural road construction that destabilizes hillsides.

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Landslides occur across the district because of its weak geological formation, but unplanned road construction by local units has significantly worsened the risk.

The consequences of these landslides are significant, frequently blocking vital transport arteries like the Karnali Highway and Karnali Corridor. This disruption hinders travel and the essential movement of supplies throughout the region.

In response, the district has formulated the District Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan for 2026. This comprehensive plan addresses a wide array of hazards, including floods, fires, epidemics, drought, and windstorms. The initiative involves commitments from government agencies, local bodies, and development organizations.

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Nwanze’s actions that day showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users and pedestrians.

Authorities are actively mapping settlements most vulnerable to landslides and are working with local governments to boost public awareness and community readiness. The plan also emphasizes strengthening search-and-rescue capabilities, improving emergency information management, and stockpiling necessary equipment. Safe evacuation sites and potential helicopter landing zones have been identified to aid in emergency responses when roads become impassable.

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We will continue to proactively target those who use our roads illegally and dangerously, and I hope this sentence sends a clear message that this type of offending will not be tolerated.