Victims have complained that even the police refused to go to the scene of the landslide in a timely manner.
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A dry landslide occurred in Khaldhunga village in Hima Rural Municipality-6 of Jumla on Tuesday afternoon. Panic has spread in the village after the landslide suddenly occurred above the village at 12 noon.
There was no human loss in the landslide, but one house was completely damaged. Another was partially damaged. ‘If the landslide had occurred at night, there could have been human loss,’ said local Lalijan Adhikari, ‘but there is a fear that another landslide will occur elsewhere.’
Locals said that the contents of the house, utensils and other belongings were completely destroyed. Locals estimate that the landslide caused more than 2 million rupees in damage. Youths had submitted a petition to Hima Rural Municipality about the risk of rockfall in the village a week ago.
Public representatives also conducted an on-site inspection. They promised to solve the problem, but locals allege that no effective initiative has been taken. Victims have complained that even the police refused to go to the scene of the landslide in time. The locals said that even though the homeowner himself went to the police station and filed a complaint, they were turned away, saying they would come tomorrow.
The landslide victims are currently taking shelter in a neighbor's house. Due to weak rocks and steep slopes, this village has been at risk of landslides for a long time. Three years ago, the rains in Asoj swept away six houses in the village when a landslide occurred. Even then, the victims did not receive timely rescue or adequate relief. The victims said that the state has neglected their suffering.
The locals have demanded immediate rescue, relief and long-term solutions, saying that the risk will increase further during the rainy season. Hima Rural Municipality Chairman Laxman Bahadur Shahi said that a team from the police and the rural municipality's disaster branch was sent to the scene after a dry landslide occurred in the village. He said that discussions will be held on bringing relief programs after the team brings an accurate description of the damage.
The plan to relocate this settlement was made since 2079 BS. Although the District Disaster Management Committee made a decision and sent it to the state and union governments, it has not been heard yet. To avoid the risk, the municipality has planted 1,200 saplings on the hill above the village. ‘The municipality does not have the budget to move the settlement to another place. It does not look at the plans sent by the provincial and central governments,’ said Chairman Shahi, ‘Now we will take the initiative again. The government had to come up with a program.’
He has no choice but to build a house in another place himself and the state will take the initiative to move the settlement. There are 49 houses in Khaldhungi.
