Galkot Municipality, a local government body, has reported that 63 residential structures, including a ward office building, were completely damaged by floods, landslides, and severe weather conditions last week. An additional 133 structures sustained partial damage.
The Galkot Municipality-9 ward office building was swept away by floods in the Daram Khola on September 27. Ward Chairman Tej Bahadur Thapa reported that a solar energy system worth approximately Rs 1.5 million was also destroyed with the building.
The floods also swept away three suspension bridges, 15 houses, a cowshed, two pig farms, and an agricultural farm. Preliminary reports indicate that around 300 ropani of cultivated land was eroded.
Severe weather conditions, including windstorms, completely destroyed 39 structures and partially damaged 52 others. In Galkot Municipality-10, windstorms blew off the roofs of approximately 30 houses and damaged the roof of the Regha Health Post.
The natural disasters also severely damaged 21 concrete irrigation structures and caused minor damage to 24 others. Furthermore, 203 rudimentary irrigation structures were affected. Dambar Bahadur GC, the Chief Administrative Officer of Galkot Municipality, released the initial damage report.
Nepal is highly vulnerable to multi-dimensional disasters due to its geographical, geological, climatic, and socio-economic characteristics. Data indicates an increasing trend in natural disasters like floods and landslides, leading to hundreds of deaths and thousands of displacements annually. Climate change is exacerbating these impacts. The Galkot Municipality-9 ward office was situated on the bank of the Daram Khola, an area prone to river erosion.
Bharat Sharma Gaire, the Mayor of Galkot Municipality, stated that the municipality is seriously addressing the damage caused by the natural disasters. He confirmed that efforts are underway to collect damage details, identify affected families, and coordinate with relevant bodies for necessary assistance. The municipality’s immediate priorities include understanding the situation of affected citizens, ensuring the safety of at-risk settlements and families, and arranging relief and support. Galkot Municipality has announced that it will provide relief to flood and landslide victims based on the extent of the damage.
Ward Chairman Tej Bahadur Thapa of Galkot Municipality-9 affirmed his commitment to continue public service even after the destruction of the ward office building.
Dol Prasad Aryal, the Speaker of the Legislature Parliament, Nepal’s federal parliament, stated that Nepal’s experience with disasters and the impacts of climate change will be strongly advocated at the international level during the 153rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Detailed information regarding any human casualties (deaths or injuries) from the natural disasters in Galkot is not yet available. A full and official estimate of the total economic damage caused by the disaster has also not been released. Further details on the number of displaced families, their temporary housing arrangements, and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation plans are still awaited.
