Fires have ravaged several regions of Nepal, including Bhairahawa, Gulmi, and Birgunj, causing extensive damage to livestock, crops, and buildings.
In Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, a fire erupted from dry wheat stalks, spreading across nine villages within Rohini rural municipality-6. While no human casualties were reported, the blaze destroyed 40 houses and claimed the lives of 39 goats.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Manohar Bhatta, spokesperson at the District Police Office Rupandehi, revealed that similar incidents have been reported throughout the district, highlighting the widespread impact of the fires.
In Gaidahawa rural municipality, properties worth hundreds of thousands of rupees were consumed by flames.
Tamghas, Gulmi, witnessed the destruction of 28 structures, including houses, shops, and cowsheds. Originating from a forest in the district, the fire swept through wards of Isma rural municipality and Gulmidurbar rural municipality.
Shankar Prasad Pokhrel, spokesperson at the District Police Office, Gulmi, disclosed that the fire, which started at the Rani community forest, claimed the lives of a dozen cattle and caused extensive property damage. Additionally, the fire partially damaged the electricity substation at Birbas, Gulmidarbar rural municipality-4, resulting in around Rs 20 million in damages, according to police estimates.
Furthermore, in Birgunj, Parsa, a fire ignited in a wheat field across the border in India and rapidly spread, engulfing thatched-roof houses, food grains, and crops in its path.
In the Bhalamahiya settlement of Chhipaharmai Rural Municipality-1, 15 farmers have lost their homes and livelihoods. The fire, which began in the wheat field, has wrought havoc, leaving behind destruction valued at over one million and eighty-four thousand rupees.