Nepal-Tibet Floods: Survivors’ Stories of Loss and Resilience
BBC News reports on the devastating flash floods in Nepal that occurred on Wednesday, resulting in over 160 deaths and hundreds of missing persons.
Survivor Testimonies
Survivors share their harrowing experiences:
Kalpana Malla from Nepal’s Nuwakot district recounts the loss of her entire family, who were swept away before her eyes. "They could not escape the flood; there was no chance at all… This flood took everything."
Sugam Malla, Kalpana’s son, describes saving his mother by pulling her hand from the debris.
Goma Pandit loses her buffaloes and other cattle in the floods, along with her farmland.
Hopes Fade for Missing
Families wait anxiously at Kathmandu’s TU Teaching Hospital for news of their loved ones:
Ram Khumari Shrestha hasn’t been able to reach her husband since 8 pm yesterday, fearing the worst.
Mani Shrestha Bishwa is also awaiting news from several family members and friends who are missing.
A Trekking Guide’s Escape
Trekking guide Sonam Dorjee narrowly escaped the disaster in his village of Rasiwa Syafru by leaving just an hour before the flood hit:
He heard the sound of rushing water, describing it as similar to an earthquake. "My house has collapsed… I have seen a photo."
Dorjee is desperately searching for his missing sister and her family.
Immediate Needs
The rescue efforts are ongoing, with survivors left homeless and in need of emergency aid:
"Many survivors are now left without homes… they need emergency rescue and evacuation, as well as food, temporary accommodation, and medical support," Dorjee states.
