Jajarkot Landslide: A New Disaster Hits Village Weakened by Earthquake
Geologists have revealed that the landslide which occurred three days ago in Resang and other earthquake-affected areas of Jajarkot is connected to a previous seismic event. According to experts, the landslide in the region impacted by the 2023 earthquake is not a coincidence, but rather a sign of the interrelation between two natural disasters. The earthquake caused fissures and cracks in the soil, making the area vulnerable to both minor and major landslides. “Earthquake-affected land develops cracks and small fractures. When water penetrates these fractures and cannot properly drain, the resulting pressure triggers landslides,” explained Professor Dr. Taranidhi Bhattarai, a geologist. “This establishes a clear link between earthquakes and landslides.”
“Heavy rainfall or flash floods alone do not usually cause significant damage. However, continuous light rain seeps into the ground and, when water fails to drain, it increases the risk of landslides,” he added. Jajarkot was severely affected by an earthquake on Kartik 17, 2080 in the Nepali calendar (around November 2023). Following that event, experts emphasized the government’s responsibility to identify landslide-prone areas and relocate settlements to safer locations to minimize loss of lives and property. They believe that these high-risk zones are always prone to danger and can trigger crises anytime.
Geologist Professor Ranjan Kumar Dahal pointed out that although the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority identified vulnerable settlements after Kartik 2080, the implementation of relocation plans has not progressed. “Post-earthquake, attention was primarily on constructing temporary shelters and houses, but relocating communities from risk-prone areas to safe zones was neglected. This oversight is now resulting in such problems,” he stated.
The landslide that struck Resang Village, Bheri Municipality-2 in Jajarkot three days ago displaced residents who have since been accommodated in the compound of Tribhuvan Primary School. Police Inspector Sudhir Kumar Khadka from Jajarkot District Police Office reported that 348 individuals from 128 households were rescued and secured. The disaster has claimed four lives and injured six people in Resang. The government has ensured the provision of essential basic services to the displaced. Karnali Province authorities have supplied food grains, fodder, tents, and clothing, while Bheri Municipality and other organizations have arranged accommodation and meals.
However, displaced persons in temporary shelters have complained about inadequate access to clothing and drinking water. Gita Shahi, residing in one such shelter, shared, “Around 30–35 people sleep under a single tent. Pregnant and postpartum women, children, and the elderly face many difficulties. Landslides have occurred below our homes, and we are unable to return. We do not know how long we will have to stay like this. First the earthquake, and now this landslide—if the government provided us with safer shelters quickly, it would have been better.”
Four days ago, floodwaters hit Tasugad in Nalgad Municipality, Jajarkot, affecting victims like Prithvi Bahadur Bik, who demand government assistance in providing housing. “Floodwaters destroyed my home, which I built after years of hard work. I do not have the financial capacity to build another. If the government provided a house, I could work and support my family,” he said. The floodwaters in Tasugad also destroyed the Jajarkot-Dolpa road, a suspension bridge, and five houses. Flood victims are currently sheltering with relatives. In the absence of the bridge, local youths have constructed a makeshift cable bridge (tuin) over which people are crossing Tasugad.