POKHARA, Aug 21: Two children of one family died when they were swept away by the flooded Chharekhola river in Syangja district. One other child is still missing and three were injured in their attempts to save themselves. According to the District Police Office, those who died in the flood are Jyoti Budathoki, 8, and three-year-old Anu Budathoki. Amrit Budathoki, 6, is missing.
The flood swept them away while crossing the river with their mother, who is from Arunodaya VDC, Tanahun. They were headed for her maternal home to celebrate the Teej festival at Magyamchisapani, Syangja Thursday evening. The bodies of the two children were found Friday morning. The injured are Krishnamaya´s mother Belisara Dhamala and a local, Shyammaya Nepal. They are receiving treatment at a health post.
Meanwhile, the inner Tarai areas of Dadeldhura district are at risk of flooding due to increasing land erosion triggered by rampant deforestation. Land erosion has led to the swelling of the Rangun and Pantura rivers which have already cut a swathe through Jogbuda, Alital and Shirsha VDCs.
The Rangun bore down hard on Jogbuda this year because of deforestation in the area of its origin. "If this continues, the day is not far when thousands of locals will be displaced," said Ramesh Joshi, a local man.
The areas affected by flooding are Thandajala, Baskuira, Lamijala, Simkhet, Chela, Tatapani and others villages lying along the river. Locals now stay awake throughout the night for fear of the flood.
Last year, some 40 families in Jogbuda were displaced after flood water entered their homes. According to Hari Bahadur Dhami, a local social worker, more than 50 ropani of paddy cultivation was destroyed by the flood following incessant rainfall during the week.
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