Pokhara, 5 October | Over one hundred squatter families residing on the banks of the Bagmati River in Balkhu, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-14, have been relocated to safety following a sharp rise in the water level. The increase in the Bagmati’s water flow caused floodwaters to enter the settlements near Balkhu and Kuleshwor, putting the lives of the residents at immediate risk. The Armed Police Force (APF) intervened swiftly and moved the affected families to the Janabikas Secondary School in Balkhu for temporary shelter.
According to Armed Police Deputy Superintendent Shailendra Thapa, the APF’s Co-Spokesperson, the rising floodwaters also inundated the Balkhu vegetable market, necessitating its complete evacuation. The immediate action to clear both the settlement and the market was crucial to prevent potential loss of life and property as the river breached its normal flow. The relocated families will remain at the school until the flood risk subsides and the water level returns to a safe mark. Authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure the displaced families receive necessary assistance while sheltered at the school.
