Some Nepal villages so devastated, you’d think they never existed, says Malaysian relief volunteer
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — Some villages in Nepal have been so completely devastated by the floods that there is no si...
On September 7, Malaysian relief volunteers were stunned by the devastation caused by floods in Nepal, with some villages seemingly erased from existence, according to Vivegananthan Rajangam, leader of Mercy Malaysia's Rapid Assessment Team. Benighat, Nuwakot, and Bidur were among the areas where settlements faced complete destruction, leaving no trace of their existence.
Vivegananthan emphasized the severity of the damage, stating that in some villages, not a single house remained, leading onlookers to believe villages had never existed.
The team witnessed concrete buildings reduced to rubble, with only about 20 percent of such structures remaining standing in some settlements. The floods also wreaked havoc on the Trishuli riverbank, where accumulated sludge lined the area, revealing the extent of the destruction. Survivors, who have been relocated from the worst-hit areas, have found temporary shelter in schools and halls situated on higher ground.
By September 7, 19 such shelters had been established in Nuwakot alone, providing a semblance of comfort during their recovery process.
Nepali authorities have also set up shelters for the displaced, with food supplies deemed adequate. However, survivors' needs extend beyond food assistance. Vivegananthan highlighted the crucial role of aid in rebuilding their lives, mentioning the provision of medicines, cooking equipment, and toys for children. These materials are being coordinated through Nepali authorities, including the Health Ministry.
The team's mission is non-combative, focused on aiding survivors as they strive to return to a semblance of normalcy.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
