GANDAKI, Oct 23: The process of providing assistance to flood victims in Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality-4, Kagbeni, Mustang, is ongoing. Efforts are underway to offer aid to those who lost their property in the flood that occurred in Kagkhola on August 13. According to Phenchok Chhepten Gurung, coordinator of the Kagbeni Settlement Restoration and Protection Committee, about Rs 8 million has been collected from the public so far.
Gurung stated, "Help continues to come from Mustang residents residing abroad, and local organizations are actively participating in the relief campaign." He added that government agencies at both the local and provincial levels have also contributed to the relief efforts.”
Kagbeni flood damages property worth over Rs 1 billion
Gurung said that the funds received from donors are being utilized for search and rescue operations, as well as providing relief. He noted that the construction of temporary shelters has commenced near Kagbeni's Eklevatti area to accommodate nine families whose homes were completely destroyed by the flood.
"When the flood hit, local residents and government agencies all worked tirelessly for rescue and relief," stated Coordinator Gurung. "There has been a commitment from the highest levels of government for Kagbeni's reconstruction."
Efforts have been made to restore Kagkhola to its original condition, including cleaning up the affected areas. Gurung stated, "With coordinated resource management across all three levels of government, Kagbeni can be restored to its former state within three to four years. The state should prioritize the reconstruction of Kagbeni, as it is a hub of religious and cultural tourism."
A local resident Karma Gurung said that they are optimistic because the Home Minister, the Chief Minister and other officials have said that there will be no shortage of support for rebuilding and assisting flood-affected people. Gurung, who lost his home to the flood, is currently residing in a temporary shelter with his family and relatives. "The flood took away all our homes and land; we have nothing left to call our own," he lamented.
He expressed confidence that government relief funds will arrive soon. “We have never witnessed a flood like the recent one. Fortunately, our lives were spared, but the loss of wealth and property was substantial," he added.
