Nepal Sees Surge in Fire Incidents as Dry Weather Persists; One Dead, Several Injured

Kathmandu. Fire incidents are increasing across Nepal with the onset of the dry season. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 12 disaster incidents occurred nationwide between Falgun 7 and Falgun 8, the majority of which were fires.

These incidents resulted in one death and three injuries. The Authority reported property damage amounting to approximately 5,019,500 Rupees.

Major Fire Incidents

In Bakulachhap, Barahakshetra Municipality-11, Sunsari, a house was completely gutted by an electrical meter short circuit. The damage, including food grains, clothing, and furniture, was estimated at 1,918,500 Rupees.

In Piple, Chainpur Municipality-11, Sankhuwasabha, two houses caught fire due to an electrical short circuit, causing 1,300,000 Rupees in damage. In Budhabare, Chauki Danda Rural Municipality-1, Dhankuta, a shed fire killed 5 goats and 2 kids, injuring 2 goats, resulting in losses of about 700,000 Rupees.

In Pipalbote, Fedap Rural Municipality-2, Tehrathum, a shed and house were burned due to a cooking fire, causing 300,000 Rupees in damage. In Balamata, Limchungbung Rural Municipality-4, Udayapur, a fire from a hillside field spread to two empty houses, causing damage of 650,000 Rupees, including timber and utensils.

In Nanuwa Tole, Mirchaiya Municipality-9, Siraha, a 52-year-old woman sustained burns on 30 percent of her body from a gas cylinder fire and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. In Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City-8, Dhanusha, a fire at a grocery store caused 151,000 Rupees in damage.

In Chunemuda, Shuklagandaki Municipality-2, Tanahun, household items were completely destroyed after a candle was left unattended. In Bantadi, Tatopani Rural Municipality-8, Jumla, a house was completely burned down; damage assessment is pending. Police, fire brigade, upper post teams, and local residents assisted in controlling the fires in these incidents.

Separately, in Gorkshep, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-4, Solukhumbu, a 50-year-old man suddenly fell ill during his trek to the Everest Base Camp. He died during treatment after being taken to Lukla Hospital.

In Ritha, Lekam Rural Municipality-5, Darchula, a 45-year-old woman was injured by a lightning strike inside her house and was sent to Gokuleshwor Hospital. In Bokrajhari, Bhadradashi Rural Municipality-1, Jhapa, a 50-year-old woman was injured in an attack by a wild elephant and is undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Weather Conditions

Rainfall was recorded in only 14 out of 290 monitoring stations during this period. The highest rainfall, 10.8 millimeters, was recorded at the Chainpur center in Bajhang. The lowest minimum temperature was -1.8 degrees Celsius in Jumla, while the maximum temperature reached 32.8 degrees Celsius in Lahan, Siraha. The dry and cold weather has increased the risk of fire. The Authority has urged the public to take special precautions to prevent fires.