Nuwakot (Nepal), September 2: For hundreds of people displaced by the devastating flash floods that hit Nepal’s Nuwakot district on August 26, the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Bhawan has become a vital refuge, offering shelter, medical treatment, food and other essential assistance.

The India-supported facility has become a lifeline for survivors whose homes and belongings were swept away after floods in the Bhote Koshi River caused widespread destruction across Nuwakot and neighbouring areas.

Located on relatively higher ground, the Maitri Bhawan has provided a safe haven for displaced residents. The building houses the Ayurveda and Alternative Hospital and was reconstructed with financial assistance from the Embassy of India following the 2015 earthquake.

Hospital chief Dr Narendra Prasad Giri told ANI that the facility immediately opened its doors to people who had nowhere else to go.

“This building is a post-earthquake reconstruction, and it was assisted financially by the Embassy of India. This building is a core support for the people. Many devastated people were rescued from there; we brought them here and treated them, and their health is now stable,” Giri said.

According to Giri, more than 100 displaced people are staying at the facility each night, while medical assistance is also being provided to survivors housed at nearby holding centres.

“After the flood, around six people came to us by themselves, and they had minor cut injuries, that we had to do sutures. And one had a tendon injury also, which we repaired the next day here,” he said.

The hospital has deployed around 11 doctors, five to seven nurses and five to six paramedics to deal with the emergency. Mobile medical teams are also being sent to nearby shelters whenever required.

“The medicines is enough now. We have great supply. Supply chain is now built good... We are not only fixed to this location, we send mobile teams also,” Giri said.

For survivors, the facility has offered critical support after their narrow escapes from the floodwaters.

One survivor recalled being caught by the flood while having a meal and later being swept away while attempting to save his goats.

“I was eating meal at that time. I had barely taken two bites of my meal when the flood reached right there,” he said.

He managed to survive by holding onto a tree root but later discovered that his little finger had suffered a severe injury. He eventually reached the hospital, where doctors treated his wounds.

“Here, the doctors and sisters (nurses) told me, ‘Don’t cry, we will save you, treat your wounds, apply medicine, and make you fine right here.’ They are treating me and helping me; I’m receiving good care and facilities,” he said.

Expressing gratitude for India’s assistance, the survivor said, “The Indian government is like our neighboring nation, a friend. Now that this happened in Nepal, the Indian government has given us a lot of support. India is powerful and like God to us.”

Another survivor, Raju Thapa Magar, said the Maitri Bhawan had become especially important because access to the district hospital had been disrupted by the floods.

“We must thank the Indian government for this. It is very good work. At a time like this, hospital options are limited--our district hospital was over there, but the road to reach it is currently blocked. So this is very helpful and commendable work,” he said.

Bhima Bhandari, who had been staying at an old age home, recalled the terrifying speed with which the floodwaters rose. Six elderly residents who could not be evacuated in time were killed, she said.

“Security personnel later rescued the survivors and brought us here to this hospital... We are receiving meals, shelter, and medical care here,” Bhandari said.

She also expressed gratitude for the infrastructure provided with Indian assistance and appealed for continued support to help rebuild a dedicated home for elderly residents.

“We pray and express our sincere thanks to the Indian government for providing this infrastructure, and we appeal for continued support and assistance in rebuilding a dedicated home for elderly residents,” she said.

The relief efforts at Maitri Bhawan come as Nepal continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of the floods. According to Nepal Police, the death toll has risen to 1,127, while 155 bodies have been recovered from Nuwakot alone.

India has meanwhile stepped up its humanitarian assistance to Nepal. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said a fifth Indian aircraft had departed for Nepal carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team along with 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines.

India has also deployed specialised rescue and forensic teams to support Nepal’s ongoing rescue operations and assist with the identification of victims. (ANI)