Sunsari Faces Multi-Dimensional Challenges: From Road Accidents to Natural Disasters

Sunsari. Last year, Sunsari district faced multi-dimensional challenges due to road accidents, floods, landslides, and inundation. Many lost their lives and dozens were injured in accidents on the East-West Highway and auxiliary roads. Speeding, negligence, and weak enforcement of road safety were identified as the primary causes of these accidents.

According to Superintendent of Police Deepak Giri, Chief of the Nepal Police Highway Safety and Traffic Management Office in Itahari, studies of recurring accidents show that haphazard road excavation is also responsible. He stated that roads are being constructed without necessary studies. He further noted that the lack of a mechanism to regulate the types of vehicles operating on these roads is contributing to the rise in accidents.

He said, 'The increase in accidents is a matter of concern. While it cannot be reduced to zero, it can be minimized through awareness. During special checks, drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs and alcohol are being taken into custody.' He added that since driving under the influence puts not only the driver but also passengers at risk, continuous awareness programs are being conducted.

According to data from the District Traffic Police Office, Sunsari, in the eight months of the fiscal year 2082, there were 1,504 accidents, resulting in 87 deaths, 153 serious injuries, and 1,562 minor injuries. Among the 87 fatalities, 68 were men, 15 were women, and four were children.

Some accidents are also attributed to seasonal factors. SP Giri mentioned that many accidents occur during foggy seasons when visibility is low. To mitigate this, the Nepal Police Highway Safety and Traffic Management Office conducts awareness programs.

Various studies show that human negligence is the primary cause among the diverse reasons for road accidents. Chandra Khadka, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Sunsari, stated, 'Most accidents in the district are caused by speeding, driver negligence, lack of caution by road users, driving under the influence, and unlicensed drivers.' These incidents have caused not only physical damage but also serious social and economic impacts.

With the onset of the monsoon, the water levels in the Saptakoshi River and its tributaries rose, causing inundation in coastal areas. Regions including Itahari, Inaruwa, Barahakshetra, Ramdhuni, and Bhokraha saw houses submerged and hundreds of bighas of arable land damaged. Continuous rain in the month of Ashoj increased the risk of floods and landslides in Sunsari. On Ashoj 19, approximately 1,036 houses were inundated in a single day due to flooding. As small streams swelled due to continuous rain, floodwaters entered settlements across various municipalities and rural municipalities. People were temporarily relocated from most of the submerged houses. The floods affected not only homes but also schools and hospitals.

Continuous rain and flooding caused significant damage to seasonal and off-season vegetable farming in Sunsari. According to Pravinlal Shrestha, Information Officer at the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Sunsari, floods and continuous rain in 2082 caused massive damage to vegetable crops and paddy fields across the district. Unseasonal rain on Kartik 13 and 14 caused further extensive damage to ripening paddy and vegetable crops.

Similarly, criminal incidents such as theft, drug trafficking, assault, and shootings centered around border areas were also reported. While security agencies have apprehended some individuals involved, controlling criminal activities overall remains a challenge. Clashes related to social and political activities also kept the environment tense throughout the year.