This report is an update of the ‘Landslide and displacement update’ of 27 July 2015. The main objective of this note is to provide an overview of the current situation and limitations of the available data.
Overview
2.33 million people not living in original house
REACH/Shelter Cluster Assessment 17/05/2015
59,500 people in 104 sites >20 HH
CCCM DTM 21/07/2015
Almost 80,000 people relocated due to landslide
Media sources 17/08/2015 risks
The impact of the 25 April and 12 May earthquakes resulted in over two million people losing their houses due to damage. Initially, the earthquake resulted in significant population movements within and between districts.
However, by mid-July, most people had returned to their VDC of residence. The vast majority of the population stays in close proximity to their original residence, however, a small minority or 2.5% of this group were residing in spontaneous settlement sites as of mid-July.
In addition, due to the increased risk of landslides due to the earthquakes and monsoon rains, about 17,000 households (HHs), or almost 80,000 people, have left their houses on their own or with Government support since July. About 100 fatalities from landslides have been reported since the start of the monsoon, primarily outside the 14 priority districts. This is above average for Nepal, but considering the elevated risk as a result of the earthquakes, the figure is lower than expected. Landslide frequency increased as a result of the earthquakes, and based on experiences in other contexts, the heightened risk of landslides is likely to persist for several years.
During September and October this year, population movements are expected to increase, particularly with the mass outflux from the Kathmandu Valley to districts before the Dashain festival beginning in late October. On a smaller scale, with the end of the monsoon, the majority of those residing in spontaneous settlement and those relocated due to landslide risks will likely return to their original residence. Ensuring comprehensive returns will also depend on the availability of support for shelter reconstruction.