The risk of massive landslides triggered by monsoon rains are high in the hilly areas which have developed cracks in the recent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. However, the challenge to adopt preparedness is lack of budget, according to the district authorities.
According to stakeholders, heavy losses from the floods and landslides could be prevented through proper preparedness.
Experts say that half a dozen areas of Ilam district are vulnerable to landslide and floods. If the risks are not prevented, scores of families are likely to be displaced from such areas.
Only last week, recent massive landslide in Taplejung district claimed over 50 lives.
Despite high vulnerability, District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC) has reportedly showed no concerns toward the safety of locals residing in the landslide affected areas.
"Although neighboring Taplejung is currently seeing massive landslides, we have not started discussion on landslides in our district; we have not been able to hold a meeting of DDRC," said acting Chief District Officer (CDO), Sujan Phago. "We have yet to discuss vulnerability and preparedness at the moment."
He informed that Ilam's CDO was recently transferred, so the DDRC will meet only after a new CDO is appointed.
The DDRC, which is responsible authority to deal with disasters, does not have sufficient funds for disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation work.
The DDRC hardly has more than Rs 300,000 in its bank account. The transfer of the CDO from the district at the time of he is needed the most has posed major obstacle to disaster preparedness work in the district, according to the stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Devi Prasad Gautam, president of the Red Cross, district chapter of Ilam, said that the lethargy by the government authorities and lack of budget could cause huge losses of life and property in the district during monsoon.
"We're compelled to depend on donations for everything from rescue to rehabilitation in the lack of budget," said he.
As per the disaster preparedness and response plan jointly prepared by the Red Cross and District Development Committee (DDC) four years ago, Ivang, Dhuseni, Sangrumba, Laxmipur, Shantipur and Chisapani VDCs are highly vulnerable to floods and landslide.
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