Motorable bridge & houses swept away by flooding of the Kabeli river

KATHMANDU: In Taplejung, the flood that occurred in the Kabeli River with rain since Wednesday evening has caused damage in Sidingwa and Sirijunga Rural Municipality.

Locals have informed that the flood has destroyed a motorable bridge, a suspension bridge and a house along with some cattle sheds have also been washed away.

The flood wrecked the motorable bridge connecting Surumakhim-Khewang-Yamphudin, according to Rajkumar Imwung, ward member of Sidingwa Rural Municipality-1 Surumakhim.

The bridge, which was inaugurated in Jestha, was dismantled on one side. The flood has also had an impact on the residents of Sirijangha Rural Municipality-8 Yamphudin.

Manakumar Rai, Member Secretary of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, stated that the flood in the Kabeli River destroyed the home of local Jagat Bahadur Rai, while Kanchenjunga Secondary School, Yamfudin Police Station, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and the health post are also threatened.

The school supplies were transported to a secure location in the morning as the river was cutting close the school and the police station. The river also took away Dil Bahadur Magar’s cow, buffalo, and pig.

Locals have informed Taraman Gurung, Ashok Gurung, Manikumar Rai, Tarsdeep Gurung, Ram Kumar Rai, and Som Bahadur Rai that their homes are in danger. Kabeli Hydro Power’s warehouse was flooded away, causing damage worth crores of rupees. Machines, warehouses, and crushers were also destroyed.

People’s movement has become difficult as the suspension bridge leading to Khewang has also partially fallen. If this bridge likewise fails, the people of Yamphudin will be unable to travel outside of the settlement.

Sidingwa-1 Surumkhim schools are closed until Sunday, according to Bidur Gurung, Chair of the Child Welfare Association’s School Management Committee. It is raining even in the morning, he claims, and children are unable to attend school.