The spate of forest fires in Nepal continues to rage, with three workers having recently lost their lives in the region of Uttarakhand. A rapid and devastating fire caught the workers at a pine resin factory in Syunrakot by surprise. Two of them died whilst trying to bring the flames under control, and a third succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
In April, the fires also claimed the lives of three soldiers involved in the efforts to combat these fires. The total number of victims this month stands at more than twenty. The Nepalese authorities acknowledge a glaring lack of resources, training and equipment to tackle these natural disasters effectively.
Forest fires in Nepal: Lack of resources
The Director-General of the National Disaster Risk Management Authority has expressed concern about the lack of resources available to deal with these crises. This situation exposes forested regions and their populations to increased risks, despite the efforts of local communities and temporary workers such as those at the Syunrakot factory.
The fires have affected more than 50 districts in Nepal, with 169 new fires reported last week alone. This environmental crisis highlights the challenges the country faces in managing natural disasters.