The massive flood of 15 June 2021 triggered by heavy rains gushed into the settlements, damaging the properties and displacing households at Melamchi Municipality and Helambu Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchok district. The latest data of Municipality shows that 148 houses have been completely damaged while 44 houses are partially damaged, and 70 houses are in vulnerable conditions. Among the survivors, 17 are pregnant women, 28 people with disabilities (17 female, 11 male), 46 are elderly citizens (46 female, 29 male). In total, 308 females and 349 males have been affected by the flood, but the number may slightly vary as the verification process is ongoing.
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Caption: Flash Flood in Melamchi municipality of Sindupalchowk district
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Caption: Flash Flood in Melamchi municipality of Sindupalchowk district
Considering the situation, WOREC, in coordination with Tarangini Foundation, Melamchi Municipality, and Helambu Rural Municipality, has started the ‘Together’ (Hami Sanghai Chau) campaign with the objectives to support the flood survivors to improve their wellbeing, alleviate distress, and enhancing coping skills.
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Caption: Team of psychosocial counsellors and program coordinators from WOREC and Tarangini Foundation at Sindupalchowk
Various essential services such as psychological first aids (PFA), 16 individual psychosocial counselling sessions, two couple and family counselling sessions and five sessions with the children have been provided to 102 flood survivors to reduce the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder and also to enhance the emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
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Caption: Psychosocial counselling session with flood survivor
“To protect and improve survivors’ mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, eight psychosocial counsellors from WOREC and Tarangini Foundation have been visiting displaced sites to provide PFA and to deliver tips on self-care and relaxation for the survivors. For these activities, we are coordinating with municipalities Mahila Atmanirvarta Kendra(MANK), Janahit Gramin Sewa Sametee (JGSS), Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS),” said Sunita Mainali, program coordinator at WOREC.
Caption: Psychosocial counsellor talking to a flood survivor
Bikram Thapa (name changed), 38, a flood survivor, said psychosocial counselling sessions became a platform for him to express his feelings and emotions, due to which his initial distress has reduced.
“I was working in a farm at Melamchi when 11 of us were washed away by the flash flood. Seven died on the spot. After that incident, I am suffering from anxiety, and I am still scared of the river. However, after sitting in a counselling session and sharing my thoughts with the counsellor, I think I will be gradually fine. There is still some hope,” Thapa shared.
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Caption: Psychosocial counsellor talking to a flood survivor
Like Thapa, 46 years old Maili Sherpa (name changed)’s life went upside down after the flood submerged her hotel. She said that she is hiding her pain and emotions to look strong and be there for her children. “I have my pain. I am worried about my brother and my children. However, right now, the psychosocial counselling session is helping me to release my emotions and to cry. Deep breathing exercise is helping me, and I feel a bit relaxed,” said Sherpa.
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Caption: Along with psychosocial counselling sessions, psychosocial counsellors are also providing art therapy sessions to students.
Caption: Art therapy session where kids are encouraged to express their thoughts in the form of art.
Along with psychosocial counselling and PFA services, the interaction session between the vice-chairperson of the municipality and female flood survivors was also held to minimize the communication gap between flood survivors and the local government. “Flood survivors got information on government criteria for supporting them and how the municipality is working and planning for a sustainable solution of the crisis from the dialogue between the representative of municipality and flood survivors,” said Mainali.
Caption: Meeting with the stakeholders at Helambu Rural Municipality of Sindupalchowk district.
The ‘Together’ campaign is supported by AEIN.