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Flood terror haunts Saptakoshi victims
SUNSARI, AUG 17 -
“I heard the cacophony of wailing people. When I emerged from my house I saw the river water flowing into the settlement. I left immediately for a safe place but I collapsed while fleeing. When I regained consciousness the whole settlement was waterlogged,” Zainab Bibi of Shripur recalled the tragic embankment breach by Saptakoshi River.
Swollen Saptakoshi River breached the eastern embankment, displacing thousands of people in West Kusaha, Shreepur, Hariharpur and Laukahi VDCs on Aug. 18, 2008. It has been two years that the tragedy occurred but for the flood victims the tragedy is still as fresh as if it had occurred yesterday.
The displaced people stayed in camps for nine months. The government verified 7,500 households as flood victims and announced various relief packages. It has, the victims claim, provided Rs. 50,000 to each household so far.
The government also announced it would provide compensation in terms of land and timber to construct houses. But things are in limbo.
Scores of flood victims of Paschim Kusaha are staying in makeshift huts along East-West Highway.
“I had six bighas of land. Now, I am living a beggar’s life,” said Maimul Bibi.
The government formed a high level commission under the chairmanship of lawmaker Nandan Kumar Datta to recommend steps for providing help to the victims. It has already submitted its report.
Brahmadev Marbaita, secretary of Koshi flood victims’ struggle committee, said the report has not been implemented. He said most flood victims are deprived of help.
“We had a happy life before the massive flood. It is certain we will never see such a life again,” sighed Kabarun of West Kusaha.
Posted on: 2010-08-18 08:07
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