Stranded on rooftops, families fear flood waters may lead to their house collapse

For families stranded on rooftops of their houses in flood-hit villages, every passing hour feels like a test of survival as nearly 50 residential complexes in the flood-affected areas have been damaged, with some of them getting completely washed away. Residents fear that the longer the water refuses to recede, the greater the danger they face as it would weaken the foundations of their dwellings.

The water had first entered the villages on August 27. Ever since then, residents, especially those living on farm land, have been living on the roofs. While some have left the flooded area, others are still living in their houses fearing that abandoning their shelters would put these at the risk of being burgled.

“We have been sitting on the roof with our children since yesterday. We do not know how long our house will hold,” said Jagtar Singh, a worried villager. The worry is not unfounded as many homes have already collapsed, unable to withstand the pressure of the surging waters. The administration has confirmed damage to at least 50 houses so far.

Residents reported that most furniture and electronic items in their homes have already been damaged by the flood waters. With electricity being shut as transmission lines have been damaged, the heavy rain during the night has only deepened the crisis. With their fields submerged and food stocks running out, villagers say they are left with little hope to bank on. “There is water everywhere. Even if we survive today, how will we live without crops, without shelter,” asked another resident.

Farmer leader Rattan Singh Randhawa said, “People are also finding it difficult to get feed for their cattle. In villages such as Jasraur, Nepal, Aual and others, where water reached only yesterday in the morning, relief teams are yet to reach.”

Farmer leaders visited many of these villages on Monday and found that people were in need of immediate help in form of essentials, he said.