Kharpani Flood Disaster

 

On Sat 5th May shortly after 9 am, a huge flood swept down the narrow valley in which the River Seti lies. Further up the river near the village of Keruwa a major blockage had been caused by landslides following a series of avalanches, eventually the blockage burst with a wall of water surging down the river. Well known as the site of the "Tatopani" hot springs, the small village of Kharpani was completely destroyed in the flood.

 

Kharpani stood on the East bank of the Seti river and was located in a position central to many PTN schools and PTN supported projects. The village had grown in recent years due to the extension of a stable road and the development of the natural hot springs into a popular attraction for tourists and locals. A bus park was created alongside the village and businesses including restaurants, shops and tea-houses began to prosper with cement hot tubs being built, at great expense to local villagers, to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of the hot springs.

 

All buildings, new and old alike, as well as the recently opened suspension bridge, were destroyed. The bridge's foundations were severely damaged and several vehicles, including a school bus from Syangja, were also swept away. Only mud and debris remain with many people being trapped in the buildings and subsequently becoming victims of the flood.

 

Fortunately many villagers were attending a religious ceremony higher up the hill side and avoided the natural disaster, despite this, 45 people have been confirmed dead with several more missing. It is likely that the destruction of the bridge will prevent children who have graduated from both Bhara Bhuri and Keruwa primary school from attending The Annapurna Secondary School, located on the opposite side of the valley.

 

The Nepalese Army are currently using bulldozers to search for the bodies of the missing and are beginning to repair the road. Whilst the main responsibility for the repairing of infrastructure and welfare of injured villagers should lie with the Nepalese government it is unlikely that they will be able to provide anywhere near the assistance required.

 

With no villagers having any form of insurance and many PTN supporters having spent a significant amount of time near the village, as well as the PTN's position as the one of the most prominent non-governmental organizations in the area, all PTN members feel a strong responsibility to try to offer whatever help we can.

 

Monies raised will go towards:-

 

1. Treating injured villagers

2. Re-building houses / businesses

3. Re-building of the bridge

4. Assisting children to go to school / continue their education