Nepal Flood Survivors Fear Loss of Cultural Heritage
Hundreds of disaster victims sheltering in Kathmandu monasteries due to the devastating floods on the Nepal-Tibet border are worried about losing not only their homes but also their deeply rooted traditions passed down through generations.
Severe flooding in the region along the Nepal-Tibet border has forced hundreds of people to seek temporary shelter in Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu, while survivors face the fear of losing their ancestral culture and community structures beyond the destruction of their homes.
Life in Monasteries and Losses
Tsering Gelbu Lama wiped her tears on the floor of a temporary shelter converted into a Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu after losing her husband in the flood on the Nepal-Tibet border. Disaster victims are concerned about the disappearance of cultural ties passed down for generations, along with their homes and belongings.
Urban and Cultural Destruction of Rasuwa District
Rasuwa is a region located in the Himalayan area on the Nepal-Tibet border, known for its unique Buddhist culture and indigenous communities. Flood victims stated that the forests and living spaces in their villages were completely destroyed, and traditional dances and festivals can no longer be performed.
Loss of Historical Heritage and Artifacts
Villagers who climbed hills to escape the floodwaters and took refuge in monasteries built after the 2015 earthquake were evacuated by helicopters without being able to take anything with them. Many people also lost important family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation in the flood.
Anxiety Over Transmission to Future Generations
Social traditions, already weakened by the migration of young people to cities for education and work, faced an even greater threat with the flood disaster. The damage to local monasteries and knowledgeable monks makes it impossible to sustain cultural practices such as autumn festivals.