Hetauda, Oct. 3 -- Every year around this time, Gopini Bishwakarma of Morangedhap in Makawanpur would be preparing to clean and daub her house with mud for Dashain, the biggest festival of the Hindus. But this year, she is afraid to sleep inside as cracks have appeared on the floor and around her home.

"We are worried about where to take our family and how to keep them safe," Bishwakarma said. "I wish the government would quickly arrange permanent settlement for us in a safe place."

Fifteen families from Morangedhap and Thulojyamire have been displaced after the ground began cracking and sinking following heavy rain from September 25 to 27. Eighty houses in the settlements are considered vulnerable.

The displaced families are taking sh...