A total of 3,198 households in Darchula district have been found to be at risk of natural disasters, according to the District Disaster Management Committee. The committee estimates that around 8,123 individuals are vulnerable to calamities such as floods, landslides, lightning, earthquakes, and disease outbreaks during this monsoon.

Chief District Officer Anil Paudel said that frequent natural disasters in the district, including landslides and floods, have significantly increased the risk levels this year. As per the Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan 2025, data was collected from all nine local units to assess possible impacts of monsoon-triggered disasters.

According to the study several areas in Dunhu Rural Municipality are most vulnerable that include Naroli, Rata, Guna, and Afare in ward 2; Battholi, Simar, Sutkhola in ward 5; and Shribagar in ward 3. An estimated 450 households with a population of 2,500 could be affected by floods and landslides.

Similarly, in Naugad Rural Municipality, settlements such as Jatra, Godhani, Bagad, Sundmund, Dallek, Parikhar, Simar, Jamir, Khupilgaun, Hopari, Mallamatte, Kapare, Udalu, Saukebagar, Dhuligada, Raichu, Gadigad, Parigaun, and Thagilgad among others face moderate to high risk, with 250 households and 700 people being in possible risk.

In Apihimal Rural Municipality, around 120 households in Arukhodi Lwathi, Gaudekhola, Ratabhita, Khirsa, Ghajir, Chaukibagad, Majje, Kakanadi, and Panimul may see 600 residents impacted by floods and landslides.

In Byas Rural Municipality, areas including Madgaun, Sunsera, Bhulchaura, Galyabasti, Tusarpani, and Tusaradi are considered high-risk zones with 90 households and 450 residents affected.

In Malikarjun Rural Municipality, around 100 households with 600 people are also at risk.

In Mahakali Municipality, which includes the district headquarters Khalanga, settlements like Badaligaun, Mulla, and parts of ward 4 are estimated to have 550 households and 1,750 people at risk.

Additionally, 20 households in Marma Rural Municipality (150 people), 19 settlements in Lekam Rural Municipality, and 1,373 residents of Shailyashikhar Municipality are also vulnerable, said Paudel.