‘We will never return’: Nuwakotflood survivors dread living along Bhotekoshiriver

NUWAKOT (Nepal), : The devastating flash floods that swept through parts of Nuwakot on August 26 have left behind more than destroyed homes and businesses. For many residents of Dhungey, Trishuli and Bandrey, the disaster has also taken away their sense of security.

With memories of the terrifying flood still fresh, several families and business owners living along the Bhotekoshi River say they no longer want to return to the riverside settlements and are planning to move to safer locations.

Ten-year-old Ayusha Tamang is among those who lost everything in the disaster. Her parents, who ran a hotel in Dhungey, were swept away when the flash flood struck.

Ayusha was at school when the disaster occurred. When she returned, the place she knew as home had been devastated, and her parents were gone.

She is now staying at her aunt’s house. The young girl says she does not want to return to the area, where every corner reminds her of the day she lost her parents.

Her story reflects the trauma faced by many children and families who survived the disaster but were left without their loved ones.

Businesswoman Krishna Ranjeet, who witnessed the destruction, said the experience has left a deep psychological scar.

She said the terrifying scenes from the day of the flood continue to remain in her memory and that she cannot imagine living beside the river again.

Several other traders and business owners have also decided to relocate, saying they would rather rebuild their lives in a safer area than risk another disaster along the riverbank.

For Shanti Chhetri, the flood was a terrifying fight for survival.

Recalling the moment the flood approached, she said the water was coming from behind while people were desperately running toward safety.

She said she lost the courage to keep running, but her son did not leave her behind. He carried her on his back and ran to safety.

“My son saved me. I got another life. The flood was coming from behind and we were running fast to save our lives. I did not have the courage to run, so my son carried me on his back and saved me.”

The once-busy market area has now been reduced to a deserted landscape. Shops, hotels, houses and other structures were damaged or swept away, leaving behind debris and devastation.

For local traders, the question is no longer simply about rebuilding their businesses. Many are asking whether it is safe to rebuild at the same location.

The August 26 disaster has forced residents to reconsider their future along the Bhotekoshi River. For those who lost family members, homes and livelihoods, returning to the riverside has become almost unimaginable.

As survivors search for a safer place to rebuild their lives, the deserted markets of Nuwakot stand as a painful reminder of the destructive power of the flash floods, and the human cost left behind.