Over 25 killed in similar incidents in past two months due to lack of safety awareness
RAUTAHAT, JULY 23
Two people have died in separate electrocution incidents in Rautahat district in the last two days while using electric water pumps to irrigate their fields amid a prolonged drought.
On Wednesday morning, 40-year-old Rambabu Mukhiya of Bishunpura Manpur in Madhav Narayan Municipality-4 was electrocuted while attempting to pump water from an electric motor for rice plantation at around 7:00 am. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Provincial Hospital in Gaur, where doctors declared him dead at 7:50 AM, according to the Area Police Office, Garuda.
Similarly, on Tuesday, 52-year-old Moktar Dewan of Jamuniya in Katahariya Municipality-2 died after he received an electric shock from a pump wire while irrigating his field. He was taken to Garuda-based Grandi Hospital, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
According to DSP Rajan Karki, the bodies of both victims have been sent to the Provincial Hospital in Gaur for post-mortem examinations, and investigations are underway.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, farmers have increasingly relied on electric motors for irrigation. However, the lack of awareness about safe usage and absence of risk-mitigation initiatives from local governments and the Nepal Electricity Authority have led to repeated tragedies. In the past two months alone, over 25 people have died while using electric motors for irrigation.
