Impact of Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Floods on Children and Government Response Measures
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Children affected by the floods along the banks of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, currently residing in various holding centers, are being supported to return to normalcy. Authorities have emphasized special attention to their nutrition, shelter, and psychosocial counseling.
Representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations in the affected region are conducting preliminary assessments. They report that many children exhibit reluctance to interact or engage openly, prompting ongoing counseling efforts.
According to an initial study by the National Child Rights Council, 102 children lost both parents in the severe floods of September 10, including 49 girls and 53 boys.
The Council further reports that approximately 692 children with at least one parent alive remain in around 30 holding centers spread across 15 rural municipalities in the affected area.
The total number of affected children identified in the preliminary study is 1,233 – comprising 632 girls and 601 boys, of whom 21 have disabilities.
Data from Gosaikunda Rural Municipality is not included due to the entire region reportedly being washed away.
According to the latest estimates from UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency, floods have affected approximately 84,279 people across six districts in Nepal, including 32,021 children.
“With 20 schools affected, the daily lives of thousands of children have been disrupted,” UNICEF stated on its Facebook page.
“Children are at the heart of this crisis, and policies and programs are focused accordingly. From emergency relief to long-term recovery, UNICEF remains committed to protecting children’s safety, health, and rights.”
How is Assistance Being Delivered?
Image source, Reuters
Durgaprasad Chalise, Secretary of the National Child Rights Council, stated that psychosocial counseling, food provision, and organized shelter are ongoing to help affected children return to daily normalcy.
“Children currently need psychosocial counseling. Because they are isolated from their communities while staying in holding centers, there is a lack of recreational materials,” he explained.
“When discussing topics related to their families, children appear uneasy,” he added.
The Council has also issued directives to prevent unauthorized publishing of videos of these children.
Local reintegration of these children is currently facing some challenges.
There are legal provisions preventing unrelated individuals from taking custody of rescued children.
“Institutionally, temporary protection centers can be opened in Lalitpur upon recommendation from child welfare officers and local authorities. The Ministry has entrusted the National Child Rights Council with the responsibility for managing these centers, including counseling and decisions about sending children back to their families,” he stated.
Prabha Bogati, Deputy Mayor of Bidur Municipality, also emphasized that counseling services are underway, especially addressing the psychological impact on children.
“Since holding centers are located across various wards, children orphaned by the floods cannot all be accommodated in a single center. Arrangements have been made as needed,” she explained.
“The children are not seeking much interaction because they are mentally fragile.”
She noted particular concern over two girls who have suffered severe psychological trauma.
Save the Children, an organization working in the child sector, is also active in the affected areas.
Ratnaraj Ojha from Save the Children reported that the organization is collaborating with the Council and other development partners to support children in the aftermath of the flood. He serves as Response Lead in Nuwakot and the organization is also operating in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts.
The preliminary study reveals that 540 children are living without one or both parents, and the status of 630 children remains unknown.
“Children have experienced significant trauma. The inability to attend school disrupts their regular activities, and the lack of affection and care at holding centers causes considerable stress.”
“With schools reopening, this trauma may gradually lessen. Accordingly, Save the Children has established temporary learning centers in cooperation with local governments.”
They are also working on reintegration with close relatives or extended family.
Earlier, although the Bagmati Province government decided to provide residential facilities and free education up to grade 12 for children who lost their parents, the Council has advised considering alternative options as well.