Survivors in relief camps following deadly floods in Nepal are grappling with a severe shortage of essential medicines and cash, compounding the hardship caused by lost homes and belongings. While authorities are providing food and basic supplies to thousands of displaced people, obtaining necessary medication remains a significant challenge.
Suresh Kumar Karanjit, a resident of a relief center in Devighat, Nuwakot district, lost his brother in the floods. He reported that the camp lacked the specific heart medication he requires. Karanjit managed to secure the funds for his prescription by selling a carton of noodles he received as aid for 400 Nepalese rupees, approximately $2.60.
According to Nepal's disaster chief, Dharam Raj Uprety, health centers staffed by doctors and equipped with medicines have been established in each shelter. Authorities are also prioritizing hygiene and sanitation to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks. The floods, which occurred on August 26 and are believed to have been triggered by a glacier collapse, devastated towns and valleys across Nepal. The disaster management agency reports at least 1,252 deaths and over 4,200 people still missing. On the Tibetan side of the border, China has reported 21 fatalities and 541 missing individuals.
Approximately 4,000 displaced individuals are currently housed in 34 relief centers across Nepal. In areas most affected by the flooding, residents have adopted unconventional methods to navigate their communities after floodwaters rendered traditional routes impassable. In the town of Bidur, situated along the Trishuli River, residents have been using a temporary zip line to traverse between riverbanks. Army personnel are assisting individuals in using this makeshift crossing.
Rescue operations are increasingly concentrating on tunnels at several hydroelectric projects where workers are feared to be trapped. Around 900 workers remain unaccounted for, and specialized rescue teams from India, China, and the United States are involved in efforts to reach those potentially trapped. The condition of the workers inside the tunnels remains uncertain.
At the Trishuli-3A tunnel, workers have begun manual excavation of the upper section. An access road was constructed over the past week to reach the site, but further rock blasting and debris removal are necessary before heavy machinery can be deployed, according to lawmaker Ram Neupane.