Bajhang, July 6 -- A landslide above the Narugad Khola in Kedarsyu Rural Municipality has been active for around 21 years, slowly reshaping the landscape and swallowing settlements in its path. What began as a minor slope failure caused by continuous erosion at the foot of Talibada, Kathkhet and Maitoli villages has since grown into a sprawling landslide, gradually consuming much of Kathkhet and now advancing towards Talibada and Maitoli.

Locals say the movement has never really stopped. Instead, it accelerates during the monsoon and remains active even in the dry months, giving residents little respite.

With each monsoon season, fear becomes routine in these settlements. Nights are marked by sleeplessness, sudden alarms and hurried eva...