BANKE, Dec 23: Banke district is at high risk of earthquakes, according to a study conducted by the UK-based Durham University. 

Western Nepal had not reported any big earthquake for 485 years, and the district in Lumbini Province is highly vulnerable, said Gehendra Bam, advisor to the Earthquake Disaster and Preparedness Project, quoting the study.  

Over 200 houses in Nepalgunj– the main city of Banke– would be completely destroyed if a 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Rukum district, according to the projection made by the study. 

Similarly, the figure would touch 3,000 when an 8.6 magnitude quake takes place in any area of the western belt. 

More than 11,000 people in Nepalgunj Sub Metropolitan City, mostly senior citizens, children and disabled people, are at high risk of the disaster, the study further stated.  

Bam stressed the need for the sub-metropolis and other concerned authorities to make a plan and take initiatives for preparedness and response. 

The sub-metropolis has come up with a plan for the same. The draft of the preparedness and response plan has reached its final stage, said Project Officer Shiva Subedi. 

President of the Nepal Red Cross Society, Nepalgunj, Gobardhan Singh underscored the need for the local government to devise a separate plan to reduce disaster risks and respond to crisis.

Chief Administrative Officer at the sub metropolis, Shiva Prasad Rijal said the local government has given high priority to disaster risk management and reduction.

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