The once-bustling town of Devi Ghat in Nepal, nestled on the banks of the River Trishuli, has been left in ruins by a devastating flash flood. Buildings were reduced to rubble or submerged in thick mud, and the town's ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Kali was washed away. The disaster, which occurred on a Wednesday morning, has resulted in widespread devastation, with current figures indicating at least 600 deaths and nearly 2,500 people missing. Thousands more have been left homeless.
Survivors described the scene as apocalyptic. Anil, a former shop owner, spoke of his destroyed stock and the overwhelming sense of loss, stating, "Everything that I worked so hard to build has been taken from me." He attributed the destruction to the local goddess, saying, "The goddess Kali has tricked us and unleashed her powers of destruction on Devi Ghat."
Approximately 800 residents survived by fleeing to higher ground. Many have found temporary shelter at a local school, which is serving as a makeshift camp. At the camp, around 400 individuals are being provided with one meal per day, consisting of rice, lentils, and vegetables, prepared by residents themselves. Despite the meager rations, survivors express gratitude for being alive, with some lamenting that others are receiving no food at all.
Devi, a resident of the camp with her family, shared her experience: "When the water came, we just ran. Everything was taken from us, we left Devi Ghat with just the clothes we had on." The camp, organized by local philanthropist Dr. Kedar Narsing, is a hub of community support, though Dr. Narsing acknowledges the challenges. "We are doing whatever we can for these people because this is a tragedy not just for them but the whole of Nepal," he said. "I know one meal a day is not enough but it's all we can provide at the moment."
Aid efforts are underway, with trucks delivering essential supplies like rice and blankets to the displaced. However, the scale of the disaster is immense, and rebuilding lives will be a long process. The Nepal Tourism Board has confirmed that 184 foreign nationals have been rescued, but 420 remain unaccounted for, including 33 British citizens.
The Maithali army camp, located inland from Devi Ghat, has become a central point for search and rescue operations. Helicopters are frequently seen departing and returning from missions to remote areas, transporting rescued individuals to a field hospital for medical attention. At the camp, frantic scenes unfold as families search for information about loved ones, with boards displaying the names of the identified dead, bringing many to tears.
Nepal's Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, has warned that affected areas have turned into "swampland" and that the nation is on high alert for secondary flooding. The immediate aftermath of the flash flood has left a landscape of devastation, with everyday objects and livestock littering the mud-covered remnants of homes and businesses. The search for survivors continues amidst fears of further rising waters.