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Landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rain across Nepal recently killed many lives and many more still missing elsewhere.
The first spell of monsoon has created destruction like never before. In less than a week after the monsoon arrived in Nepal, massive devastations have been seen across the country. As reports of damage and losses filter in from across the country, many are shocked by the disaster unfolding in the Melamchi area, nearly 60 km from Kathmandu, in Sindhupalchok district.
Floodwaters from the Melamchi river have gushed into the settlements and main market, displacing over 100 families and leaving behind destruction that could run into millions of rupees. Videos and photos posted on social media show muddy water reaching as high as the first floor of houses in the area. People were left stranded on roofs of buildings. Communication networks have been breached following a power outage.
According to the District Police Office, the raging river swept away eight resorts, two motorable bridges and six suspension bridges from Helambu to Melamchi Bazaar. More than 150 houses were inundated, displacing hundreds of people, officials said.
Sindhupalchok district is still recovering the devastating earthquakes as it was the epicentre of Nepals earthquake and aftershocks. Of the estimated 8,702 earthquake deaths across Nepal, 3,440 were in Sindhupalchok, the highest number in any district. The land is already weakened by earthquakes and water seepage from the surface can cause landslides even with a moderate amount of rainfall. Temporary dams were created that blocked the flow of the river, and then rainfall have triggered sudden floods.
Melamchi Municipality office has issued appeal for help and is gearing to channel all aid and donations through them. This will make sure the aid will reach the neediest at the critical time.
We appeal you to help through this page and request you to share it as well. Every little help counts. Please tick on gift-aid if you are UK resident. Together we can help the municipality to help on short-term by providing food and shelter. Afterwards focus will be to rebuild the infrastructure to help local community.