Sudurpaschim, Aug 22: Floods caused by continuous heavy rains over the past two days have impacted 500 families in Kailali district. Around 1,700 people have been affected by the flooding as of this morning, the District Administration Office in Kailali said.

Office information officer Shiva Raj Joshi reported that Kailari Rural Municipality, along with Bhajani, Ghodaghodi, and Gauriganga municipalities has been the most affected areas. In light of the ongoing risk of further inundation, the Office has issued a notice advising citizens to relocate to safer areas.

Rescue efforts are underway with the assistance of the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force. Floodwaters from the Kataini, Shibaganga, Kandra Pathraiya, and Mohana rivers have inundated local settlements. Residents in Manikapur of Kailari rural municipality-5 have managed to safeguard their belongings, including foodstuffs, by relocating to upper floors and rooftops.

Many settlements are experiencing shortages of food and essentials. Locals have expressed concerns about frequent inundation issues, attributing them to road infrastructure that is elevated compared to the settlements. They have called for an effective sewage system to address these problems before any further development projects are undertaken.

Yagam Kalel, the information officer at Kailari rural municipality office, stated that while local representatives, government employees, and security personnel are working together for rescue operations, the local government lacks the resources to fully address the inundation issues.

Ministries and government offices in Dhangadhi sub-metropolis, which serves as the temporary capital of Sudurpaschim Province, have been waterlogged. The East-West Highway, which is elevated compared to the surrounding settlements, has been primarily blamed for causing the inundation issues in the district. (RSS)