Following the reports published by media outlets like Inseconline about the use of tubes by locals in Majhi Basti, Kothpeka, Khadadevi Rural Municipality-1, to cross the Sunkoshi River after heavy rainfall washed away the Sunkoshi suspension and concrete bridges from 26 to 28 September 2024, arrangements have been made for rafting in response to the situation.
Locals Use Tubes to Reach Health Center After Flood Sweeps Away Bridges in Ramechhap
Following the reports that locals have been using tubes to cross the river in a risky manner to reach health posts in Ratmata and Khurkot, Sindhuli, the District Administration Office in Ramechhap has coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs to arrange for rafting across the river for the residents of the area. Khadadevi Rural Municipality-1 Ward Chairperson Ram Kumar Shrestha informed that rafting has been made available immediately to address the problems faced by the citizens.
Chief District Officer Raj Prasad Poudel handed over the rafting equipment to Ward Chairperson Shrestha in the presence of Deputy Chairperson Rama Ghising and other local representatives and security officials. The ward office and the rural municipality have taken responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the rafting services, while the ward office and police will monitor the use of safety measures.
After the floods washed away the suspension bridge at Begari, the concrete bridge at Khereni Ghat, and the roads in the Kothpeka area, locals had been crossing the Sunkoshi River at great risk using tubes. Local resident Manav Majhi stated that the rural municipality became aware of the situation where those in need had to use tubes to reach the health post for treatment, which prompted the provision of rafting services for crossing the river. He noted that it has become easier to cross the river since rafting services were made available. With no other options available, he mentioned that even pregnant women had to be transported in tubes to give birth in Ratmata, Sindhuli. He stated that now, crossing and transporting across the river will be easier with rafting than with tubes.
Ward Chairperson Shrestha stated that while rafting is safer than using tubes, it is not entirely risk-free. Therefore, he urged the locals to exercise caution when crossing and to refrain from using rafting services unless absolutely necessary.
