MUGU, Nov 4: With the onset of winter, fire victims of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality-4, Kimri have started wondering how will they survive the cold this year.
On May 3, a total of 19 households of Kimri were displaced after their houses were reduced to ashes by a massive fire. Since then, some victims have been sheltering in the houses of their relatives while some are still living in tents. Even after such a long time, they have not been able to begin the construction of their houses.
Yangjen Lama, who lost his house to fire, expressed his worry over how she would spend this winter in tent. Following the ravaging fire, a team led by chief minister of Karnali Province had reached the site to provide immediate relief. Though the team had assured to start the rebuilding process in a few days, nothing has been done yet.
Quake victims to spend third winter in tents
Various government and non-governmental organizations had provided clothes, food and tarpaulins to the victims. Even the rural municipality had provided them with food for three months. But no effort has been made yet for the construction of the houses.
The rural municipality has already submitted the details mentioning the design and estimated cost of the houses to the District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC).
Meanwhile, DDRC has stated that it is responsible only for providing immediate relief and it is the provincial government, which will bring long-term solution to this problem.
Chief District Officer Umakanta Adhikari, who is also the coordinator of the DDRC informed that the committee has already sent letter to the provincial government regarding the residential facility of the fire victims and now they are awaiting for response.
According to CDO Adhikari, the province might make the decision by Sunday. The fire had gutted the property of 19 households compelling them to live in tents. They survived the monsoon with great difficulty but are wondering how they will cope with the cold.
They have time and again vented their ire against the government for neglecting their pleas.
