Fire fury engulfs Koshi Province

KATHMANDU: A sudden surge in fire incidents has ravaged Koshi Province in recent days, leaving hundreds homeless and causing destruction of properties worth millions.

However, both central and provincial governments have been slow to provide aid and support, while local authorities struggle with limited resources.

Data from the Provincial Police Office reveals a staggering 44 fire incidents reported over Saturday and Sunday alone.

Tragically, three minors lost their lives in a fire in Hatuwagadi, Bhojpur, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Since the onset of Falgun, five fatalities and 16 injuries have been recorded due to fires.

The extent of property damage is yet to be fully assessed, but as of Sunday evening, a total of 266 fire incidents have been confirmed since the beginning of Falgun.

These fires have resulted in the loss of 160 houses and property damage estimated at 150 million rupees.

Over the weekend, reports of fire incidents poured in from various districts, including 11 in Solukhumbu, five in Terhathum, and three each in Okhaldhunga, Panchthar, Illam, Khotang, and Bhojpur.

Additionally, incidents were reported in Udayapur and Morang.

According to DIG Chandra Kuber Khapung of the Provincial Police Office, the surge in fire incidents coincides with the pre-monsoon season. Despite police efforts to control and rescue, the number of incidents continues to rise. Khapung noted that limited resources and geographical challenges have compounded the difficulty of managing the situation.