Landslide survivors shelter at health post as relief remains stalled

Eight days after a devastating landslide killed 13 people in Kotalbara, Nepal, survivors are still seeking refuge at a local health post as essential relief supplies remain inaccessible.

“

I was involved in the rescue efforts in the aftermath of the landslide. Since I had no home to return to, I have been living here.

Duk Pun Magar, 54, lost his home and a family member in the August 13 landslide. He now spends his nights at the health post, having been involved in the initial rescue efforts and having nowhere else to go.

Multiple landslides have blocked the road to the health post, leaving food, clothes, and other essentials stranded. Buddhi Gharti Magar, chairman of Thawang-5, estimates that reopening the road will take time and moving supplies by foot would require around 200 porters. "None of the relief materials collected in the survivors’ names has reached here," he stated, noting that local efforts and relatives have been trying to fill the gap.

“

None of the relief materials collected in the survivors’ names has reached here. A lot of the supplies are heaped up along the way. The ward office and villagers have been trying to make up for the shortfall.

Local representatives have also voiced concerns about poor coordination among aid providers. Many individuals and organizations collect donations without informing the ward office, making it difficult to track what is coming and what is needed. The district administration has instructed relief organizations to adopt a one-door system to prevent duplication and ensure aid reaches genuine survivors. Assistant Chief District Officer Ghanashyam Gautam confirmed that the administration is monitoring the situation and has directed the road infrastructure office to clear the blocked sections.

“

We ask the relief providers to give us a list of the materials they have collected. But we do not have complete information about those collecting relief. If we were informed beforehand, we could coordinate with the local administration.

Despite these efforts, survivors like Mek Bahadur Roka, who is also taking shelter at the health post after his home collapsed, complain that official support has been inadequate. "There is no other alternative to the health post," he said. "Our residential house collapsed in the landslide, and now it is difficult for us to live here without adequate support."

“

The aim is to prevent duplication in relief collection and distribution, ensure that genuine survivors receive what they need and make proper use of the assistance received. We have also instructed the road infrastructure office to open the blocked road.