NUWAKOT (NEPAL), Sep 6: Survivors of Nepal’s devastating floods are putting aside their grief to join rescue and relief operations, even as they mourn the loss of family members and continue searching for loved ones who remain missing.
Sudip Kumar Neupane, 31, survived the August 26 floods that swept away his younger brother and a close colleague. After spending two days grieving, he returned to the relief effort, helping distribute food and other essential supplies to displaced people in Rasuwa, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages across northern and central Nepal. More than 1,300 people have been killed, while around 5,000 are still reported missing.
Neupane had been helping warn villagers about the approaching flood when he was caught in the torrent along with his 27-year-old brother Pradip and acquaintance Janak. The three were rushing towards safety after receiving warnings of the approaching flood when the waters struck. Neupane managed to survive by running uphill, while Pradip and Janak were swept away.
After two days of mourning, Neupane resumed relief work as displaced residents urgently needed food and shelter and local authorities were short of personnel.
“I survived by luck. For as long as I live, I will continue serving society and the people,” he was quoted as saying.
In neighbouring Nuwakot, Suchit Joshi has also continued participating in search and rescue operations while four members of his own family — his wife, seven-year-old daughter, sister-in-law and nephew — remain missing, according to OnlineKhabar.
During one search operation, Joshi recovered his uncle and another nephew. His personal search subsequently turned into a broader rescue effort after five people joined him. The group helped rescue several flood victims, including an elderly woman stranded in floodwater outside her home.
Joshi has continued searching for his missing relatives alongside security personnel. During one operation, three bodies were recovered from the Trishuli River, but they were too badly damaged to be identified.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his own family, Joshi has continued helping other survivors.
“I am enduring it and still continuing with the rescue work,” he was quoted as saying.
