KATHMANDU: On Saturday afternoon, a devastating fire ravaged three houses in Swami Kartik Khapar Rural Municipality, leaving destruction in its wake. Originating from the shed of Amar Kattel, the blaze swiftly engulfed the residences of Prakash Kattel and Padam Kattel in Jukot, ward no. 3 of the rural municipality, as reported by the District Police Office. Tragically, all the possessions within the three houses fell victim to the inferno, resulting in extensive damage.

Local residents and law enforcement personnel sprang into action to combat the flames, successfully extinguishing the fire before it could cause further devastation. However, the aftermath of the incident leaves a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust disaster response measures in the community.

Just days prior, on Thursday afternoon, another fire razed the home of Mohan Nepali in Ward No. 4 of the municipality, ignited by a wildfire in the nearby community forest of Budhiganga Municipality. These consecutive incidents underscore the escalating threat of fire emergencies in the region, underscoring the imperative for proactive disaster management strategies. Despite the mounting challenges posed by such disasters, affected individuals lament the apparent lack of support and intervention from the District Disaster Management Committee and local authorities, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive disaster response initiatives to mitigate future risks and protect vulnerable communities.