A settlement in Hariyali Tole of Suryabinayak Municipality-8 in Bhaktapur is at risk after heavy rains triggered flooding in the Champamati stream and sent a landslide creeping towards homes.
The landslide has reached the yards of several houses and exposed the foundations of some of them.
The foundation of resident Shiva Hari Chalise’s house has been exposed as the landslide has eaten away the ground beneath it, putting the house at further risk, said resident Hari Sharan Basnet.
Residents said they stayed awake through the night, fearing the landslide could spread further. They are worried that the slope could give way further and damage their homes. They have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to contain the landslide and ensure the safety of the settlement.
Pushpa Raj Basnet, ward 8 chair, said the municipality’s budget would not be enough to control the landslide and that additional funds would have to be sought from the federal and provincial governments.
A landslide has also occurred at Ranikoat in the same ward, Basnet said. He warned that if it is not brought under control, the lower-lying Dorlàng settlement could also be at risk.
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