Flood victims complain of not receiving relief supplies

KATHMANDU: In Inaruwa, Babiya, all belongings of Kumari Khatwe’s home were swept away by floods.

This occurred when the floodwaters from the Sunsari River surged into Khatwe’s house on Sept 28 and 29, resulting in extensive destruction.

The flood not only washed away cooking utensils but has also rendered the house uninhabitable. Kumari, who is displaced, reported that there is no place for breastfeeding her infant. With mud in the yard, preparing meals has become a significant challenge.

According to Satrughan Khatwe, a victim from the affected area, they have not received any assistance from anywhere thus far. Approximately 40 households in Khatwe Tole of Babiyaka have been impacted by the flooding.

The floodwaters have affected InAruwa wards 4 and 9. Local resident Kumari Khatwe expressed that the muddy conditions in homes and the standing water outside have made it difficult to relieve themselves. Another displaced individual, Anusha Marik, mentioned that they have been surviving on just one meal a day for the past five days. Inruwa ward 9 chairman, Basiramuddin Mansuri, informed that the ward office has provided some assistance in the form of rice and pulse to the victims.

The flood, which followed heavy rainfall last week, has left families such as Khatwe, Marik, and Sada Sukumbasi particularly vulnerable. Kumari Devi Khatwe stated that as wage laborers, they have been unable to find work since the flood, leaving them struggling with hunger.

Victims have reported that no officials have come to listen to their grievances, with many taking shelter in schools. They expressed dissatisfaction with the three levels of government, alleging a lack of support for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

Inrauwa ward 4 Chair Bawlal Mehta asserted that relief materials were distributed to victims just two days ago, claiming no one should be going hungry. He added that efforts are underway through the district administration office to provide further assistance.

Inrauwa Municipality mayor Kedar Bhandari confirmed that relief materials have been distributed to flood victims in the municipal area.