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Devotees are seen thronging the Pashupatinath and other Lord Shiva temples across the country since early this morning.

Devotees have flocked to the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu since early morning. Many devotees throng the Pashupatinath temple as the month of Shrawan and Monday are specials for offering worship to the Lord Shiva.

According to the Pashupati Area Development Trust, arrangements have been made for the devotees and Bol Bum revelers to easily worship at the temple.

It has been learnt that security, volunteer mobilization, worship management, health camp, drinking water and other arrangements have been made for the devotees and visitors.

Similarly, devotees have been taking holy dips and offering prayers at Pashupatinath, Gokarneshwor, Santaneshwor, Doleshwor, Kirateswor, Bhaleshwor, Sanga (Kavrepalanchowk), Devghat (Tanahun) and Galeshwor (Myagdi) since early this morning.

With the increasing frequency of road accidents in Nepal, travel becomes particularly perilous after the monsoon season. The recent incident in Simatal, Chitwan, where two buses went missing, taking 62 lives, underscores the hazards. Nepal experiences frequent accidents throughout the year, with a significant spike during the monsoon season due to natural calamities, damaged roads, slippery surfaces, and reduced tire grip during rainy days.

“Infrastructure expert Ashish Gajurel notes that the monsoon season is a significant contributor to accidents, with half of the 30,000 annual accidents occurring during this period, resulting in 15,000 accidents. The Prithvi Highway and Kathmandu Highway are experiencing higher accident rates due to the heavy traffic.

Increasing awareness programs for both travelers and non-travelers is a crucial first step. Gajurel added, “Buses can fall from heights of 100-500 meters, leading to devastating accidents. We are urging the government to construct road safety barriers in high-risk areas.”

Despite the rising number of incidents, Nepal Police spokesperson DIG Dan Bahadur Karki commented, “Nepal experiences numerous accidents, including the recent Simatal incident, but it’s uncertain if more accidents occur during the monsoon season.” He added, “The Kathmandu-Narayanghat, Muglin-Pokhara, Kathmandu-Hetauda, and Karnali highways are particularly affected during this season.”

Nepal’s geographical challenges, damaged roads, aging infrastructure, and poor timing in road construction contribute to increased destruction and disruption in areas affected by calamities. Karki cautioned, “Bus travelers should be aware of weather and highway conditions, avoid night travel, and stay informed about post-accident road conditions.” Both drivers and passengers should be vigilant and gather information regularly to stay updated.

Spokesperson Karki said, “We are preparing safety precautions in areas where accidents frequently occur.” He recommended timely checks of buses, careful consideration of geographical features during road construction, regular inspection of mechanical systems, and ensuring that only drivers with recent bus maintenance passes are allowed to operate.

According to the data, Provinces with higher population density and more vehicle use, such as Kathmandu Valley and Koshi Province, reported the highest number of accidents, while less populated or less densely trafficked areas like Sudurpaschim Province had fewer incidents.

Data suggests that the highest numbers of deaths and severe injuries were reported in Madhes Province and Gandaki Province reported the lowest numbers in these categories. Overall, the data highlights a serious issue with road safety in various provinces, with a particular need for improved safety measures.

Floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall left 50 families displaced in Badigad of Baglung district.

As many as 50 households of Badigad Rural Municipality-9, Nayabasti and Arupta, Patle, Clabjhing, Khor and Salle in ward 10 have been displaced due to recent landslides. 

At least 11 people have been killed so far and the status of one is still unknown. The displaced families are surviving a hapless life. There has been no supply of drinking water and electricity in the landslide-hit areas. Children and the elderly are facing more problems.

Bhim Bahadur Budha, a local, commented that several houses in the village are still at risk of landslides. He further said the settlements around his house are facing vulnerable conditions.

Badigad Rural Municipality Vice Chair Bhimsen Ban said the displaced families are being managed in schools and public places. The rural municipality is distributing relief in the initial phase, he said.

Noting that the municipality has provided food and tarpaulin sheets, lamps and other essential items, he said discussions are underway with the higher-level governments for long-term management.

The number of dengue and cholera is climbing up in the country in the recent times. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Ministry of Health and Population, the number of dengue patients reached 3,084 last Friday with 722 new cases recorded in the past four days alone.

Dengue was confirmed in 2,365 people as of August 5. Mosquito-borne infection has spread all over the country except Mustang, Dolpa, Jumla and Humla district, shared Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal, Chief of the NTD and Vector Borne Disease Control Section. Tanahu district has the highest number of dengue infected patients- 583, while 307 cases of dengue have been confirmed in Kathmandu district followed by 166 in Kaski and 135 in Jhapa district.

With the rise in dengue patients, the Ministry has urged all public and private offices to launch 'Larva search and destroy' campaigns and maintain essential hygiene and sanitation. Also, the government has announced to provide free treatment to the dengue patients in the public healthcare facilities, it was told.

Likewise, cholera cases are also going up lately. There are 47 cases of cholera detected across the country till date.

Dr Dahal shared that cholera cases were confirmed in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Pyuthan, Kailali and Rupandehi districts with Lalitpur having the highest cases- 34 cases and Rupandehi the lowest- one.