Massive landslides from heavy rainfall have seen Green Pastures Hospital [GPH] lose a significant section of its farm, the land breaking off into the Seti River. No staff or patients have been affected but large cracks in the land pose a serious ongoing concern.
The landslides happened last weekend [2 July] and, although common in the monsoon period, have arrived early this year putting many communities at risk. Four people are confirmed dead, many families have had to seek refuge and numerous properties have been destroyed. Neighbours and local churches are offering accommodation to those who’ve lost their homes.
INF’s Disaster Response and Resilience Department Safety and Security Coordinator and the District Disaster Relief Manager have assessed the damage on site at GPH. Temporary safety measures are in place until a more permanent structure can be established on the western boundary of the INF farm. It’s estimated that approximately 600 m2 of land broke off into the river below.
Several other landslides struck communities in and around Pokhara. Eleven families from Dhading who had sought refuge in Dharapani after the 2015 earthquake had their temporary shelters significantly damaged from the landslides. Many were sound asleep in their beds when the landslide hit and had to be pulled from the mud.
The District Disaster Relief Committee has met with local organisations, including INF, and will indicate where assistance is needed in the coming weeks and months. INF’s partner organisation, Asal Chimmekee Nepal [ACN], is on the ground and already providing emergency relief.
Raju from ACN reports:
“There were four families sleeping in the rented rooms. A lady suddenly shouted for help as she was sunk up to her waist. A man from the next house threw out a rope to pull the lady out. Other family members were able to come out. Their beds and other furniture were fully covered by rubble and mud. The neighbour broke the wall to let the water come out and they were able to pull out the lady sunk in the mud.”
Please pray for God’s comfort for those who have lost loved ones or homes; for emergency relief and shelter; and for INF’s partner ACN and nearby churches to be able to continue helping those affected by the landslides.