Flash floods have ravaged the Nepali town of Devi Ghat, transforming it into a scene of devastation likened to a bomb strike. The town, once a vibrant hub known for its market and a temple attracting thousands of pilgrims, now lies in ruins along the banks of the River Trishuli.
The torrent of water obliterated buildings, washing many away and leaving others crumbling or submerged in thick mud. The stench of dead bodies and animals fills the air as rescuers struggle to search the debris-laden landscape. Many locals are feared dead, swallowed by the mud that now covers the town.
The Kali temple, a central landmark dedicated to the goddess Kali, was completely destroyed, along with an estimated 100 of its 1,000 residents. Survivors described fleeing their homes as the water surged, leaving with little more than the clothes on their backs. "When the water came, we ran," one survivor said. "Everything was taken from us."
Around 800 residents who survived the calamity have sought refuge in a local school, which has been converted into a temporary camp. Here, many are trying to salvage what they can from their destroyed homes and businesses. "I'm just trying to save what I can but virtually all my stock was destroyed by the water," said Anil, a former shop owner. "There's nothing left, everything that I worked so hard to build has been taken from me."
Survivors at the camp receive one meal a day, typically rice, lentils, and vegetables, prepared by residents themselves. While grateful to be alive, many express the hardship of their situation. "It's not enough food and we all go to bed hungry, but we are lucky to be alive," said Devi, who is staying at the camp with her family. They sleep on classroom floors without blankets or clothes.
Dr. Kedar Narsing, a local philanthropist, is coordinating efforts at the camp, with support from donors. "We are doing whatever we can for these people because this is a tragedy not just for them but the whole of Nepal," he stated, acknowledging the difficulty of providing sufficient aid. Trucks have begun arriving with donations of rice and blankets, offering a glimmer of hope.
Officials have warned that areas affected by the flash flood have turned into swampland, and the nation is on high alert for secondary flooding. According to the latest figures, at least 600 people have died and approximately 2,426 are missing, with thousands more displaced. The Nepal Tourism Board confirmed that 184 foreign nationals have been rescued, but 420 remain unaccounted for, including 33 Britons.
Rescue operations are being coordinated from the Maithali army camp, where helicopters are continuously engaged in missions to remote areas. Those rescued are taken to a field hospital for medical examinations before being cared for by NGOs or relatives. The camp has become a place of both hope and desperation, as people search for news of loved ones. Some identified dead are listed on boards, bringing heartbreak to those who find familiar names.
Bahdur, rescued from a remote village near the Nepal-Tibet border, is one of the few survivors from his family. He is now contemplating his next steps with no home or family. "Everything has been taken from me, life is not worth living," he said.