KATHMANDU: Residents of Sardikhola in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-2, Kaski, have raised Rs 793,775 for the relief, rescue and rehabilitation of victims of the Bhote Koshi floods.
The amount was collected through a relief campaign launched by the ward office following the floods of August 26 and has been deposited into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
The residents, who have themselves experienced the devastating impact of floods, contributed to the campaign according to their individual capacity. On May 5, 2012, a flash flood triggered by an avalanche from Annapurna IV devastated the Seti River area, destroying Kharpani market and claiming the lives of more than 70 people.
Recalling their own experience of that tragedy, local residents came together to support communities affected by the Bhote Koshi floods and disasters in other parts of the country.
Ward Chairman Ganesh Acharya said the campaign received support from 17 local development committees, mothers’ groups, women’s groups and other residents.
“We have witnessed and experienced the pain caused by floods ourselves. That is why people here can understand the suffering of those affected by disasters in Bhote Koshi and other districts,” Acharya said.
The collected amount was handed over to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund through Govinda Acharya, chief executive officer of Sardikhola Savings and Credit Cooperative, and treasurer Bipul Sharma. The cooperative confirmed that the amount has been deposited into the fund.
Govinda Acharya said geographical distance does not diminish the shared pain caused by disasters. He said the contribution was not only assistance for the current crisis but also a message about the importance of communities supporting one another during difficult times.
“This support will also encourage the younger generation to come forward and help communities whenever disasters occur anywhere in the country,” he said.
The ward office has said it will maintain a record of all individuals, committees and organisations that contributed to the relief campaign.
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