Five years have elapsed since the flood rendered scores of families completely homeless and destitute. But the state remains largely apathetic toward their plight as they are yet to receive compensation. [break]
Of these victims, 156 families of Jogbuda VDC and 32 of Sirsa VDC have been living in makeshift huts built in a community forest. Simlekhet, Tandajala, Saurgaida, Bashgoira and Tatapani villages of Jogbuda VDC are the hardest hit.
“We are struggling to make ends meet. What can Dashain mean to us? We lost everything to the flood and the government remains apathetic toward our plight,” rued Gorakh Bahadur Thapa of Simkhet village in Jogbuda VDC.
The victims had submitted the details of the losses to the Dadeldhura District Administration Office several years ago, but they have been paid no compensation.
“We now loathe the festival as it reminds us of our good days,” says Nar Bahadur Dhami, coordinator of the flood victims´ struggle committee.
Another flood victim from Simlakhet village, Nawaraj Bhatt, says, “We don´t have money for the festival. To make matters worse, the price rise had made our lives more miserable,” adds Bhatt.
Related story
Dashain fails to bring joy to Udayapur flood victims
