Major Areas of Rasuwa Blockaded Following Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Floods, Threatening Food Shortages
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Local representatives from Rasuwa district report that following the floods on September 26, many areas in the district have been effectively blockaded.
The floods of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli Rivers swept away key bridges on the major road networks connecting Rasuwa, leaving the district without any road access to deliver aid. This grievance was raised with Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’.
After the bridges over the Trishuli River were destroyed, the only way to reach Rasuwa’s headquarters, Dhunche, is via a circuitous, unpaved road stretching from Nuwakot’s Chaughada through Likhu Khola, Narsa, Lathyang, and Sarmathali, eventually reaching Kalikasthan.
Many vehicles carrying relief supplies struggle on this alternate route, sometimes requiring assistance from other vehicles to cross difficult patches, footage of which has circulated widely on social media.
Due to lack of viable roads, Kaisang Nurpu Tamang, Chairperson of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality in Rasuwa, was unable to attend a discussion convened by the Prime Minister regarding relief efforts.
“The core problem is the roads — they have not been connected yet,” Tamang, who participated virtually from Dhunche during the Prime Minister’s convened meeting, told us over the phone.
“Helicopters cannot continuously deliver relief; therefore, restoring road connections must be the immediate priority, with attention and help from all sectors.”
Risk of Food Shortages
Image source, PM Secretariat
On the 20th day since the floods, the federal government held a meeting with representatives from 15 affected local levels at Singha Durbar.
Local leaders from Rasuwa, Dhading, and Tanahun emphasized the need for temporary shelters and rehabilitation of displaced people, calling for the federal government’s focused attention.
Representatives from Rasuwa stressed the urgency of reconnecting the road network, informed Madhav Aryal, Chairperson of Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality.
“Some areas remain disconnected from transportation routes, causing challenges in transporting essential supplies such as food and medicine,” Aryal said.
“We outlined the problems we face and discussed them in detail with the federal government to seek solutions.”
Aryal warned that if transportation infrastructure is not restored quickly, a large area could face a risk of starvation.
“If these issues are not addressed promptly, entire villages may face hunger,” he added.
He further noted that patients, pregnant women, and new mothers are especially vulnerable in the absence of roads.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Chairperson Buchung Tamang of Amachodingmo Rural Municipality also confirmed that the area remains blockaded due to lack of road access.
“We are effectively under blockade. Immediate construction of Bailey bridges and suspension bridges is critical. Several potato crops were ruined when washed away by floodwaters, and we couldn’t get them to markets or relief supplies delivered. Only limited aid is coming by helicopter,” he explained.
He added that although helicopters are delivering some aid, several wards remain entirely isolated, preventing relief distribution.
Task Force Formed to Address Immediate Needs
Image source, PM Secretariat
During discussions with the Prime Minister, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal took representatives to his ministry.
Aryal and Tamang reported that the ministry discussed urgently identifying critical areas for bridge construction and beginning work immediately.
“After our visit, we were instructed to survey how many bridges were lost and which locations need bridge construction to reconnect settlements. They said tenders could proceed within 7 to 10 days,” said Tamang.
He confirmed work will start after finalizing suitable bridge construction sites.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the government is actively working to restore road networks promptly, which will enable affected communities to return to normalcy once the roads become operational, according to the Secretariat.
Aryal mentioned that Minister Lamsal assured alternative transportation options like suspension bridges will be arranged in places where immediate road infrastructure reconstruction is not feasible.
“A task force chaired by the Infrastructure Ministry’s Secretary has been formed, including local leaders from affected municipalities and directors of four departments,” Aryal explained.
“Proposals on necessary actions will be submitted within three days, compiled carefully to receive approval through the Disaster Management Authority and the Cabinet, for swift execution.”
Prime Minister’s Remarks on the Role of Local Governments
Image source, RSS
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with coordination among local governments after the disaster, according to the Secretariat.
“Previously, there was a perception that coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments was lacking, but in this disaster we have stood united and are working collaboratively,” he said.
Aryal shared that the Prime Minister urged local governments to actively participate in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
“We have now gained a better understanding of previously unseen or unknown critical issues. We have the necessary resources to address them promptly,” he said.
“Local governments have been directed to prepare proposals for all necessary actions in affected areas; the government will approve these accordingly.”
Chairpersons of wards 2 and 5 in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, located in Rasuwa Gadhi and Timure areas, have been out of communication for several days. Tamang noted that only one member remains in ward 2.
With the rural municipality office building damaged by floods, operations are currently being conducted out of Dhunche.
Although the federal government has been actively operating helicopters for relief and rescue, local governments complain about a lack of coordination in data collection.
“Based on our prepared lists, relief may be insufficient, though aid was sent,” said Chairperson Tamang.
The National Disaster Management Authority is currently compiling data regarding individuals out of communication.
Tamang emphasized that this task should be undertaken by local governments.
“Names and addresses of individuals may not have reached the Disaster Authority; only local governments have accurate records. Without cooperation between local governments and the Authority, data collection will be problematic.”
Leaders of local governments affirmed that despite initial coordination issues with the federal government during the early days of the disaster, collaboration has since improved.
Flood-affected local government chiefs held discussions with ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Ravi Lamichhane and some opposition Nepali Congress vice presidents, including Bishwaprakash Sharma.