NEPALGUNJ: More than 4,000 people in six Banke villages face the threat of the Rapti River, which could not be returned to its original course.

On August 19, the river had changed its course and entered the villages despite the efforts of the security personnel to control the embankment erosion. So far no big loss has been reported since the river contains low level of water. But a swollen river can flood the villages. District Natural Disaster Rescue Committee has urged various INGOs, including UNDP, to help tame the river.

According to District Administration Office, residents of Piprahawa, Khadaicha, Kadhaipuraba, Ghoderiya and Tepari of Holiya VDC and Ramnagar of Betahani VDC needed to be shifted to safety ever since the river eroded a stretch of a road. CDO Birendra Kumar Baniya said a team of Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, along with technicians of Water-induced Disaster Control Committee, is trying to return the river to its original course by making bulwark dams. Banke secretary of Natural Disaster Rescue Committee Chandra Prasad Timilsina said some villagers were taking shelter in nearby Uchuwa after the river starting flooding their houses.

A Red Cross team has reached Holiya with relief materials. When the Indian government constructed the Laxmanpur dam and embankment against international border regulation, hundreds of Nepalis have been displaced every year.