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Residents of Panchapokhari Thampal Rural Municipality-2, Yangri, who have been awaiting relief from floods and landslides, are living in fear of landslides as they struggle to protect their homes and families. Following the Larke River flood on the night of July 14, 2024, which caused extensive damage, the community is living in constant fear of being swept away. Lakshman Tamang from Panchpokhari Thampal Rural Municipality-2 reported that there is no bridge outside of the Rural Municipality, and they are facing severe difficulties, including a lack of sufficient food. He expressed concerns about the potential for another flood to destroy everything again.

Gopal Syangbo, also from Panchapokhari Thampal Rural Municipality-2, added that the flood on July 14 swept away the Chinde, and Mahankal Bridge leading to Yangri, and also washed away cultivable land. The flood also destroyed the Melamchi-Bhotang road section, obstructing access, and disrupting local water sources, which have yet to be restored. Gopal further explained that although there are food grains in their homes, the absence of a functioning grinding mill due to the flood has made it difficult to process the grains. Similarly, resident Sun Bahadur Syangbo raised concerns highlighting no places to buy food or obtain supplies. He expressed worry about continuous rain, which has increased fears of landslides and the potential for the river to flood and devastate the entire Rural Municipality.

Likewise, the Chief District Officer Bhupendra Thapa confirmed that efforts are underway to bring a new grinding mill to Yangri, as the previous one was destroyed by the floods and landslides. Additionally, Mithu Tamang, another resident, alleged that none of the three levels of government have provided relief, despite nearly a month having passed since the landslide. Likewise, Vice-Chairperson Sunita Adhikari of the Panchapokhari Thampal Rural Municipality stated that the federal government will now take the initiative to provide food for the affected residents. Jiwan Shrestha, Chairperson of the District Branch of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, stated that the flood and landslide-affected residents of the Rural Municipality have been unable to engage in income-generating activities due to inadequate protection from monsoon-related risks.

Natibabu Dhital