KANCHANPUR: Fearing another devastating flood, Khadke Budha of Kutiyakabar in Dodhara Chandani Municipality-10 has relocated his family, along with goats and cattle, to the other side of Jogbuda.
Three other families have also begun migrating from the settlement, seeking safety ahead of the monsoon season.
Kutiyakabar, an island-like settlement surrounded by the Jogbuda River on three sides and the Mahakali River on the other, is highly flood-prone and has faced annual inundation.
Residents had hoped for relief after the government began constructing an embankment on the Jogbuda River, but construction was halted due to rising water levels, heightening their concerns.
“The floods of 2078 BS washed away all our livestock and food supplies,” recalled Budha. “This year, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall again. I am moving now to save my animals and family.”
Budha said the embankment gave locals a sense of hope, but its incomplete construction has left them vulnerable once more.
“Every year, floodwaters erode the land. When the Mahakali River overflows, it becomes almost impossible to save lives,” he said. “Last year, we only received some relief with help from the Nepali Army and donor organizations.”
The community, once densely populated, has seen a steady decline in population due to repeated flooding. “Four families have already left in search of safer places,” said local resident Tek Bahadur Sunar.
“The embankment was supposed to be completed this year, but that didn’t happen. Now, with the rains starting, people are fleeing again.”
Sunar added that the settlement faces severe risk from erosion caused by both the Jogbuda and Mahakali rivers.
“Just a few years ago, there were 49 families here. Now only 39 remain. Some have crossed into India, while others have resettled elsewhere in search of safety,” he said.
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