Rasuwa, August 26
A massive flood originating from China has caused extensive damage in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, with the Bhotekoshi River sweeping away settlements along its banks.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained.
A ward member of Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2, Pema Dorje Ghale, said many residents in Timure are currently waiting to be rescued.
According to Ghale, the flood struck Timure at around 8:30 am with a loud rumbling sound, leaving residents with little time to respond.
“The flood came with a huge sound at around 8:30 in the morning. Before we could even think about what was happening, everything was devastated. There is nothing left of Timure Bazaar. The flood has destroyed everything,” Ghale said.
He said authorities currently have no clear information on the number of houses swept away or people who may be missing.
“There were probably more than 100 houses in Timure alone. Looking at the sound and the flood coming from above, it seems that nothing has been spared,” he said.
Residents stranded on hillside
Ghale said residents who managed to escape have taken shelter on higher ground.
“We have come up to the hillside and are staying here. We ran for our lives in whatever condition we were in,” he said.
He said residents, including young children, are now facing a shortage of food and basic necessities.
“What will we feed the small children? How will we keep them safe? We have nothing. We are surviving by drinking the floodwater,” Ghale said.
He said helicopters have been seen flying over the area, but rescue teams have yet to reach the stranded residents.
“We are waiting for rescue. Helicopters have been flying overhead, but they have not reached us yet,” Ghale said.
Ghale urged government agencies to establish contact with residents stranded in Timure and immediately arrange rescue operations.
“I am Pema Dorje Ghale, ward member of Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2. If government agencies contact us and arrange our rescue, it would provide great relief,” he said.
The government has already mobilised security forces and emergency response teams for search, rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas.
