On Sunday evening Kagbeni in Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality-4 of Mustang, which is usually bustling with locals cooking and dining experienced an unexpected flood that caused significant devastation. The floodwaters came suddenly and the locals raised alarms upon witnessing its arrival. Swiftly they evacuated to higher and safer areas compared to the local market.
In a matter of minutes the floodwaters turned Kagbeni’s market into a disaster zone. Local properties were submerged and valuables were washed away by the flood. Some were fortunate enough to recover precious items such as jewelry and gold while others were unable to retrieve even basic belongings.
As the flood receded over 18 houses and properties were ravaged. Many citizens are now left homeless and displaced due to the flood’s destruction. A local resident Dorje Gurung conveyed that the floodwaters even reached Kagbeni from the neighboring Jomsom within a span of two hours causing a landslide along the way. He stated that despite the significant damage to physical property there has been no loss of human life.
The Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality Chairperson Rinjin Namgel Gurung assured the affected locals that they have been placed in secure locations. He conveyed that approximately 29 houses have been completely destroyed by the flood. According to Gurung the extent of damage is relatively minor with some partial destruction. He mentioned that this is the first time such an unexpected incident has occurred and locals have been taken to safer locations as per government policy.
The local administration Nepal Army Armed Police Force and local volunteers have been working together to rescue and aid flood victims. The immediate focus is on gas supply and provision of food for affected households. The local authorities are working to address the issues related to cooking fuel and gas supply.
Despite the unexpected nature of the incident the Baragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality has taken steps to assist approximately 60 laborers from outside the district who were engaged in road construction and other tasks in the region. Rinjin Namgel Gurung highlighted that the government’s relief assistance will be provided as per policy. Temporary bridges and culverts are being constructed to ensure that people can still cross the river safely.
Though the flood has caused damage to Kagbeni the local community has united to support the affected individuals. Local leaders and authorities are actively coordinating with the Nepal Army and other organizations to provide relief and aid to those in need. The locals resilience and the cooperative efforts of various groups are expected to contribute to the restoration and rehabilitation of the affected area.
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