Trading food for medicine and crossing the river by zip line are part of life in Nepal flood zone

Kathmandu, Nepal - Survivors of deadly floods in Nepal faced challenges on Thursday as they tried to secure essential medicines and cash, despite authorities providing food and basic supplies to thousands of displaced individuals in temporary shelters. The shortages exacerbated the hardships of those who lost their homes and possessions, as Suresh Kumar Karanjit, who had lost his brother in the floods, shared his struggle.

Karanjit, staying at a relief center in Devighat, a town in the worst-affected Nuwakot district, could only obtain the cash required to buy his heart medication after selling a carton of noodles he received as relief for 400 rupees. He noted that the camp lacked the exact medicine prescribed for his condition. Nepal's disaster chief, Dharam Raj Uprety, reported that health centers equipped with doctors and stocked with medicine had been set up at each shelter.

Uprety also emphasized the focus on hygiene and sanitation to minimize the risk of disease. The Aug. 26 floods, likely caused by a glacier collapse, devastated towns and valleys, destroying homes, roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure. At least 1,252 people were confirmed dead, with over 4,200 still missing, according to Nepal's disaster management agency.