20230915 Surge in electrical short circuit fires wreaking havoc
Nepal Sep 15 2023 “Building” “Houses”
Dead : dead 0 or unknown Burnout : 1 to 29 Injured : injured 0 or unknown
Surge in electrical short circuit fires wreaking havoc
Updated: 2023-09-15
A series of devastating fires sparked by electrical short circuits have left a trail of destruction in households across Nepal. The Himalayan Times investigates the extent of damage and the harrowing stories of families affected by these incidents.
In recent weeks, Nepal has been gripped by a surge in household fires, with countless families losing their homes and possessions. The primary culprit behind these destructive blazes has been identified as electrical short circuits, which have ignited in various residential areas throughout the country.
The Himalayan Times reached out to the affected families, fire departments, and experts to gain insights into the magnitude of these incidents and their underlying causes.
One such incident unfolded in the heart of Kathmandu, where a humble abode turned into a blazing inferno overnight. Sunita Shrestha, a 42-year-old mother of two, recounts the harrowing experience, “I woke up to the sound of crackling flames and the acrid smell of smoke.
My children and I barely managed to escape with our lives. Everything we owned, all our memories were reduced to ashes.”
Sunita’s story mirrors those of countless others affected by these fires. From Bhaktapur to Pokhara, residents have been left in shock as their homes were consumed by the relentless flames. Reports suggest that dozens of houses have been destroyed, leaving families homeless and distraught.
According to a recent report of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority a total of 18,772 fire incidents took place in Nepal from 2014 to mid-March 2023, in which a total of 769 people were killed.
Fire incidents have increased by four-fold in last 10 years. Every year almost 100 people die due to fires.
The fires have not only left many families homeless but also had a severe psychological impact. The trauma of witnessing one’s home engulfed in flames is an experience that will haunt many survivors for years to come.
Sunita Shrestha, while grateful for her family’s safety, says, “We lost everything, our photo albums, our children’s toys, even our identification documents. Starting anew seems like an insurmountable task.”
An employee working at Juddha Barun Yantra Office in Kathmandu said that they had to rush their fire engines for 250 to 255 days in a year and their record showed that about 70 per cent of those fire incidents were caused by short circuits.
Chief of Juddha Barun Yantra Office at New Road Dhruva Kumar Bhujel said there should be good coordination between all tiers of government as well as between Nepal Electricity Authority and cable operators to prevent electrical short circuit fires. He said old electricity wires and wires haphazardly left on electricity poles posed the risk of electrical short circuits.
In the face of this crisis, the government, alongside various non-governmental organisations and community leaders, has initiated relief efforts. Temporary shelters, food, and clothing assistance are being provided to affected families.
In addition to relief efforts, experts and organisations have launched extensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens about electrical safety. These initiatives aim to prevent future short-circuit-related fires by promoting safe electrical practices.
As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of these devastating fires, there is growing consensus on the need for comprehensive reforms in electrical safety regulations.
This includes updating electrical codes, rigorous inspections, and strict enforcement to prevent substandard electrical installations.
In conclusion, the recent wave of household fires in Nepal has exposed the critical issue of electrical safety within homes. Families have suffered immeasurable losses, and it is now incumbent upon authorities and the community to work together to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Through awareness, education, and action, Nepal can move towards a future where its households are secure from the threat of electrical short circuits and fires.
Web Source: The Himalayan Times
https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/surge-in-electrical-short-circuit-fires-wreaking-havoc