“The news of Nepali people losing their lives due to floods and landslides in Nepal is very sad,” says Ashok Gyawali, a resident of Queens, New York. He mentions that when disasters like floods and earthquakes strike Nepal, Nepalis living abroad are deeply concerned. Ashok Gyawali, the newly elected president of the 11-year-old Gulmi America Model Movement (GAM), also known as Gulmi Society, represents Nepali people from the Gulmi district living in the United States.
On Friday night, six people from two families died when their vehicle fell into the Jhaple river in Dhunibensi Municipality-9 of Dhading, along the Prithvi highway. These individuals were from Gulmi, the birthplace of Ashok Gyawali. The landslide buried a microbus, a Winger, and four other vehicles, resulting in the discovery of 35 bodies. Gyawali expressed his sorrow, stating, “This incident has saddened us even more. Very talented students and their families have lost their lives.”
According to Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, 170 people have died due to floods and landslides following this week’s incessant rains, with 42 people still missing. The disaster has injured 111 people, and the police have rescued 4,000 individuals so far. In Kathmandu Valley alone, 35 people have died. Major highways connecting the capital, Kathmandu, have been blocked, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Thousands of security personnel from Nepal Police, Nepal Army, and Armed Police have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. However, Ashok Gyawali believes these efforts are insufficient. He criticized the government for not adequately warning people about the rains and floods and for lacking sufficient advance preparations. He also blamed land mafias for contributing to the floods in Kathmandu’s slums.
“The problems in Kathmandu have increased due to the encroachment by land mafias and the settlement of rivers,” Gyawali said. “As a result, lives are now at risk. Settlement work is a long-term task. The government should take the initiative to establish settlements only in risk-free areas. This problem arises when houses are built by encroaching on rivers. We must be aware that the river can return any day.”
Similarly, Anand Bista, a resident of New York, expressed his sorrow over the damage caused by the incessant rains across the country, including the capital, Kathmandu. Bista, President of the Public Relations Committee in the United States, said, “Incessant rains across the country, including the capital Kathmandu, have caused damage to many people’s wealth. Everyone should exercise caution in this situation. I also demand that the Nepalese government take all necessary precautions and advance the relief work effectively. I pray for the eternal peace of the bereaved souls and the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was in the United States for the United Nations General Assembly when the disaster struck. He posted on social media, saying, “At this time, I am hearing and watching the news of floods, landslides, and inundation due to heavy rains all over Nepal through social media and media. Whenever it rains in Nepal, it feels like a landslide has happened in my heart. Everyone who lives in areas prone to floods and landslides should take safety precautions and avoid long-distance travel unless absolutely necessary. Security personnel of all security agencies should be ready for emergency help.”
Following the disaster, some Nepalis living in the USA expressed their anger that the Prime Minister did not cut short his visit and return to Nepal immediately. Ramprasad Khanal, an artist, businessman, and media person living in Virginia, USA, said, “Prime Minister Oli, when the country is going through such a situation, should you stay in the US and tweet, post, launch, or do something when you return to the country? Please return to the country immediately and give the Nepali people and the victims the impression that you are the Prime Minister and the government in this disaster.”
Several Nepali community associations in the USA have also issued statements expressing their grief over the incident in Nepal. The Madhesi Association in America extended deep condolences to the families affected by the natural calamity and announced the establishment of a fund to help the flood victims. They are urging everyone to contribute to the fundraising campaign.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
