आगलागी
Taplejung, September 28
A massive fire broke out on Thursday in Dobhan Bazaar, located in Meringden Rural Municipality–3, considered the second-largest commercial hub of Taplejung. This marks the second major fire in the area within six years. As the residents of Dobhan—who had lost everything in the first fire—were gradually restoring their businesses and daily lives, Thursday’s incident has once again left them displaced.
Preliminary reports indicate that 10 houses and 17 shops belonging to eight families were completely destroyed in the afternoon fire. The estimated damage stands at approximately NPR 145 million. The blaze was brought under control through the joint efforts of two fire engines dispatched from the district headquarters, Fungling, along with personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local residents.
The victims, having lost their homes and livelihoods, are currently seeking shelter with relatives and neighbors. Some are actively clearing debris, cleaning usable spaces, and preparing for reconstruction.
For 86-year-old Shyam Lal Kharel, who lives with his sons, this fire feels like a repetition of past trauma. “Repeated fires have caused immense pain. We invested in our business, and everything was destroyed. Now, how do we stay here, and where else can we go?” he expressed.
Another victim, Chandra Paudel, voiced deep concern regarding long-term rehabilitation after being hit by two major fires in such a short span. “We were just beginning to recover, and this fire wiped everything out again,” he said. “Standard government relief will not solve our problem. The government should arrange interest-free loans so we can rehabilitate ourselves and repay the principal amount. Otherwise, we have no means left to recover on our own.”
Hari Kafle, President of the Dobhan Branch of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), noted that local entrepreneurs face significant difficulties obtaining loans from banks and financial institutions. He stated that because the market is situated along a riverbank, banks hesitate to provide credit, citing high risks of capital loss.
Temporary relief, including monetary aid and essential supplies, has been provided to the affected families by government and non-governmental bodies, including the District Disaster Management Committee, FNCCI, Nepal Red Cross Society, and Meringden Rural Municipality.
However, victims emphasize that long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction support from the government are far more critical than short-term relief.
According to FNCCI Dobhan, the market comprises around 80 houses and shops and serves as the district’s second-highest commercial trading center after Fungling.
Previously, in February 2021 (Falgun 2077 BS), a major fire destroyed 49 houses in Dobhan Bazaar, incurring losses exceeding NPR 400 million. As affected business owners were slowly rebuilding, this recurring disaster within six years has plunged them into severe financial, psychological, and domestic crises.
Local residents emphasized the urgent need for a long-term plan to prevent recurring fires and mitigate potential damage. Local resident Guru Paudel highlighted the importance of spreading awareness regarding electrical appliances and wiring, noting that electrical short circuits have been the primary cause of recent fire incidents in the district.
Furthermore, locals stressed that relevant authorities must ensure the immediate availability and accessibility of disaster response equipment during emergencies.
