Devastating Flood in Nepal Affects Dozens of Families in the Terai Region
A testimonial on recent floods in Nepal by local resident Navaraj Upadhyay, Groundswell International's Regional Coordinator for South Asia.
On what seemed like an ordinary monsoon night, the residents of Ishworpur Municipality in Sarlahi were caught off guard by an unprecedented flood. This was no ordinary flood; it was a catastrophic event brought about by a combination of unplanned urbanization, haphazard construction, and extensive land coverage with concrete. The relentless rain, unable to find its natural course, wreaked havoc as it flowed uncontrollably through the Terai region.
The Terai region of Nepal lies along the southern border, adjacent to India, forming a narrow belt that extends from the eastern to the western frontier of the country. Known as Nepal’s granary, the Terai is a green expanse with vast stretches of rice paddies, sugarcane fields, and dense sal forests. Agriculture in this region, particularly in Sarlahi, accounts for about 70% of Nepal’s total food production and is a vital source of livelihood for local communities.
The incident
The night began with heavy rainfall lasting 4-5 hours, a common occurrence during the monsoon season. However, the intensity of this downpour was unlike anything we had experienced before. Initially, the rain provided a welcome respite from the oppressive heat and humidity, but it quickly turned into a nightmare.
At 5:30 AM, I woke up to a shocking sight: the first story of my two-story house was half-submerged in water. Snakes, pieces of wood, and soaked clothes floated by, creating a surreal and terrifying scene. The nearest river, nearly a kilometer away, had never posed a flood threat to our village before. This time, the floodwaters took lives and devastated homes, catching everyone unprepared and amplifying the destruction.
Impact on the Dalit community
The Dalit communities (considered as lower strata of the community and referred to as untouchables) were among the hardest hit, with 200 households severely damaged. Their crops were completely washed away, leading to a shortage of fresh vegetables. Livestock, such as goats and poultry, essential sources of livelihood, were lost to the floodwaters. The water level in the fields rose by nearly two meters, making movement impossible and daily life chaotic. It took almost a week for life to begin returning to normal.
Every time there is intense rain, the flooding issue recurs, although with reduced loss of life due to better preparedness. However, the damage remains extensive. The most recent flood, just a week ago, saw water levels rise to similar heights, but the community’s increased readiness helped mitigate the impact.
Flood in Nepal severely damages houses 
A house after a flash flood in Nepal
Personal and community loss
The flood also reached my office, filling it with water and destroying my power backup (inverter) and printer. My belongings and crops were lost, and my office equipment was ruined. Tragically, we lost our father during this incident due to an outbreak of diseases caused by the floods. These illnesses claimed the lives of many other individuals as well.
Root causes of floods in Nepal and immediate needs
A significant factor behind this flooding is the unplanned development spearheaded by the local government. Roads are being constructed without adequate drainage systems, preventing water from following its natural paths. As a result, water flow is intensified when it rains, destroying land and infrastructure. Four of our community groups are in this affected area. Local people have raised funds to assist those starving for food, showcasing remarkable solidarity in the face of disaster.
Only a month before this flood, several villages in Sarlahi experienced devastating fires, burning hundreds of houses.
Help provide urgent relief to families affected by recent floods in Nepal
We urgently appeal for support to rebuild the homes and livelihoods of those affected by this disaster. The flood has left many families homeless and without essential resources. We need assistance in constructing safe and sustainable houses to provide shelter and security for these vulnerable communities.
In addition, we require immediate support for food supplies. The flood has wiped out crops and destroyed food stores, leading to a severe shortage of fresh vegetables and other essentials. Providing food aid is crucial to ensure that no one goes hungry as we work towards recovery.
Finally, we need help to restore normalcy in our lives. This includes rebuilding infrastructure, restoring agricultural activities, and providing healthcare to prevent disease outbreaks. Your support can make a significant difference in helping the people of Ishworpur Municipality regain their footing and rebuild their lives.
About the author
Navaraj Upadhyay is Groundswell International’s Regional Coordinator for South Asia. He started his career as a volunteer for Jay Nepal International at Sindhupalchok (Nepal) helping to rebuild houses, drinking water supplies, and hospitals for people affected by earthquakes. He went on to be a project coordinator for agriculture there for three years. After that, he worked as an agriculture officer of the Nepal Government for a year, different private companies for a year, various NGOs for more than two years, and as a facilitator of PDC (Permaculture Design Course) for two years.
Navaraj holds a post-graduation degree in agricultural economics from Tribhuvan University and did nationwide research on microfinance. His expertise includes scientific research designing, data analysis, training and extension of agro-ecological practices, permaculture designing, project preparation and analysis, and volunteer mobilization.