Landslides in Silichong disrupt power, communications and transport; 6 families displaced

Floods and landslides triggered by continuous rainfall have devastated Silichong Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha, Nepal, cutting off vital electricity, communication, and transportation services. Six families have been displaced, and two schools have suffered significant damage, forcing the suspension of classes for all 170 students.

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All roads and foot trails within the municipality have been blocked by landslides, while two local micro-hydropower projects have been destroyed by floodwaters.

According to Silichong Rural Municipality Chairperson Bhupal Raj Mewahang, the disaster has blocked all roads and foot trails, severed central power supply and micro-hydropower plants, and disrupted internet and communication services. This has severely impacted public service delivery. Two local micro-hydropower projects have been destroyed by floodwaters, and approximately 70 percent of communication services are down.

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Fifteen classrooms developed major cracks, and educational materials were destroyed, forcing the suspension of classes for all 170 students enrolled at the school.

Kalika Secondary School in Sisuwakhola, Ward No. 1, sustained major cracks in 15 classrooms due to a landslide, destroying educational materials. Similarly, Bageshwari Basic School in Ward No. 4 also suffered heavy damage. Chairperson Mewahang indicated that both schools might need to be relocated to safer areas due to the high risk of further landslides.

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Both schools have been forced to suspend teaching activities and may need to be relocated to safer locations due to the high risk of further landslides.

Six households in Sisuwakhola have been displaced and moved to safer locations. However, over 100 houses in several settlements, including Tenchong, Hoyengla, Chepchewa, Newatar, Yangsim, and Gogane, remain at high risk. Residents from these vulnerable areas have sought shelter collectively in safer locations. A joint team is monitoring the situation, but ongoing rainfall and blocked roads hinder rescue and relief operations. The municipality urges residents in at-risk areas to exercise extreme caution and remain in safe locations.

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More than 100 houses in Tenchong, Hoyengla, Chepchewa, Newatar, Yangsim and Gogane are at high risk of landslides.