Flood threat leaves villagers sleepless

MUSTANG, JUL 04 -

The riverside settlements in Chhusang VDC, Mustang district, risk being flooded by the Kali Gandaki and Narsing rivers.

Many of the danger zone dwellers have already lost their homes and a huge tract of farmland in past monsoons and this season is no different. Every year, many households in the VDC are displaced by floods. The villages of Chhusang, Bhraka, Kyangma and Chhikpap face high flood risk.

“It’s difficult for us to live through the monsoon every year. We don’t get much sleep fearful that a flood could sweep our homes anytime,” said Laxmi Gurung.

As in the past, many villagers have left their homes for safety with the start of this year’s monsoon. Yagya Prasad Sharma, Chhusang VDC secretary, said: “Floods at Kali Gandaki and Narsing have permanently displaced 16 families from Chhusang. Many other families could have a similar fate if no immediate measures are taken to mitigate the flood risk.” Even the VDC office building, police check post, health facilities and other government office buildings face the flood risk. The beleaguered villagers have requested the authorities concerned to build a proper embankment to keep the rivers from breaching their banks and flooding their homes and farms.

Salyan villages in peril

SALYAN: Two villages in Korbang Jhimpe VDC, Salyan district, could be swept by landslips. More than 12 households at Jaichaur and Kharsubas villages are threatened by an imminent landslide. Villager Chhabilal KC said four families need to be relocated immediately. Landslides have also destroyed a large area of farmland. People’s mobility in these villages is affected as landslips have damaged roads. The landslides have already caused an estimated damage of around Rs 10 million in the two villages. The villagers have accused authorities of ignoring their plight.


Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/07/04/national/flood-threat-leaves-villagers-sleepless/356574/