Helambu, Sindhupalchok – In the higher reaches of Helambu, Sindhupalchok, the rise of the Melamchi river during the rains stirs a palpable fear among the local residents. This anxiety is rooted in the traumatic memories of 1 Asar 2078, when a massive flood devastated the region, submerging Melamchi Municipality, Helambu Rural Municipality, and parts of Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality. Over 500 houses were washed away, along with several lives, marking a period of immense loss and suffering.
The catastrophic flood, caused by the collapse of a vast segment of Shir Vemathang in Helambu, engulfed businesses and infrastructures worth billions. The event significantly set back the development of Melamchi and Helambu, and residents continue to live in constant fear of another flood.
Khilprasad Lamichhane of Helambu-4 shares the collective anxiety, stating that experts warn of the possibility of another major flood at any time. “When it rains, we spend the night worrying about how to save our lives,” he says.
The aftermath of the flood is still evident; roads remain damaged, and many who lost their homes are forced to live in makeshift shelters. Lamichhane laments the government’s lack of response to their plight, stating, “The government has not cared. We’ve informed the relevant agencies time and again, but our demands remain unmet.”
Adding to their fears, the Department of Water and Meteorology has predicted higher-than-average rainfall for Sindhupalchowk this year. This forecast has further heightened the residents’ panic. Many flood victims are still unable to rebuild their homes and continue to live in vulnerable conditions.
The flood wiped out four villages in Helambu Rural Municipality, turning once-thriving communities into barren lands overnight. Farmers lost hundreds of cultivated fields, and the trout farming business, a significant part of Helambu’s identity, came to a standstill. Uttammani Bhandari, who ran a trout farm and resort, reports that eight farms in the river corridor were lost, amounting to a loss of over one billion.
The sudden flood washed away old village structures in Chiurikhark, Chalise, Lower Timbu Bazar, and Ganeshe Bagar in Helambu. Markets in Talamarang, Chanaute, Kiul, and Thimbu were covered in sand, affecting a population of around 18,000.
Melamchi market, submerged by the flood, saw significant losses. The four-story building housing Radio Melamchi, a community radio station, was destroyed, along with its equipment. Sagar Shrestha, a local entrepreneur, faced immense debt after his hotel, which featured the district’s first elevator, was also submerged.
Three years later, the victims are still living in temporary shelters. Santoshi Shrestha expresses her ongoing struggle, stating that the discomfort of living in makeshift housing persists.
In Helambu Rural Municipality, 392 beneficiary families were identified. Of these, only 100 families have received the first installment of relief, with 95 families purchasing land. In Melamchi Municipality, out of 244 beneficiary families, 232 have received the first installment, while eight families have received the final installment. In flood-affected Panchpokhari, 92 out of 184 beneficiary families have received land.
The government promised up to three lakhs for land, five lakhs for house construction, and 50,000 for temporary housing construction for flood victims. However, the locals report ongoing difficulties due to recurring floods that continue to destroy damaged houses and fields.
Nimagyalzen Sherpa, chairman of Helambu Rural Municipality, highlights the need for cooperation at all levels of government and relevant agencies to build permanent housing for the victims, emphasizing that the local government alone cannot address this crisis.
