The Wait of a Child Who Lost His Family in Nepal's Flood Disaster
While the devastating flash floods in Nepal caused over a thousand fatalities, 12-year-old Tsering is waiting for his deceased parents to return.
In the sudden flash flood triggered by collapsing glaciers and rocks on the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, more than 1,300 people lost their lives and thousands were displaced. While hundreds of survivors have taken shelter in a monastery in Kathmandu, 12-year-old Tsering, who lost his family, believes his parents will return one day.
Background of the Disaster
The sudden flash flood, triggered by the detachment of glacial ice and rock masses in a region close to the Nepal-Tibet border, caused devastation along the river valley.
In this disaster, which caused the deaths of more than 1,300 people across Nepal, thousands of people went missing and entire residential areas were wiped off the map.
The Truth Tsering Does Not Know
Staying in Kathmandu with his great-aunt Mingmar Dolma and his father's mother, 12-year-old Tsering is one of hundreds of people evacuated from Rasuwa following the devastation.
Following the disaster in which his mother Kammi and father Fursang lost their lives, Tsering was told that his parents were in the forest and could return within a year or two due to blocked roads.
Life in the Monastery
Approximately 520 people from Rasuwa began sheltering in a monastery in Kathmandu after their homes were destroyed and roads and bridges were damaged.
While an information center keeps records of arrivals, medical personnel care for the residents, and meal preparations are underway in a communal kitchen.
A Sanctuary for Children
Small tents set up for children within the monastery, along with toys and various games, offer a temporary sanctuary to ease the traces of the disaster.
While children try to calm down a little in these areas, families and volunteers continue their struggle for survival.
Grief for the Lost and Solidarity
Forty-year-old Shyam Bahadur Tamang stated that he lost his mother, older brother, eldest daughter, and the 35-year-old family home in this disaster.
Bujung, who works as a volunteer at the monastery, stated that he lost more than 50 people from his extended family and village.
Expectation for the Future
Survivors talk to cope with their losses, share photos of their loved ones, and stay in temporary bunk beds inside a large hall.
Local residents are hopefully waiting to receive news, return to their homes, or see the closed roads reopen.