Survivor’s Heartbreaking Tale: “I Survived, But My Wife Was Buried in the Landslide”

Narayan Prasad Rimal, a 68-year-old from Chauri Deurali rural municipality in Kavrepalanchowk, is recovering from injuries at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu. His body bears the marks of the disaster that claimed his wife, Pabitra, who was tragically buried in a landslide triggered by heavy rains.

Rimal, broken and bruised, shares his harrowing experience, “I survived, but my wife, who was cooking, was buried. The dozer hasn’t reached her yet for rescue.” His grief far outweighs his physical pain. He recalls the landslide crashing down on their home last Saturday, while Pabitra was preparing a meal and he sat in the balcony. Desperate for help, he called for rescue for two hours before losing consciousness, only to wake up later in a hospital bed.

Airlifted to Kathmandu, Rimal is now waiting for surgery. His house, built in 2046 BS, was destroyed in moments. “I never imagined I’d lose everything so quickly,” he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Rimal is not alone in his suffering. At the same hospital, 30-year-old driver Sujan Basnet, from Pharping in Kathmandu, is also recovering. He was caught in a landslide while trying to move his vehicle to safety. His wife rushed him to the Trauma Centre after receiving initial treatment. Basnet, with injuries to his limbs and ribs, is one of 15 disaster survivors currently being treated at the facility.

Dr. Indira Pandey, the Trauma Centre’s Disaster Management Focal Person, noted that many patients brought in are dealing with severe injuries, and multiple surgeries are scheduled. The survivors come from regions like Dhading, Kathmandu, Ramechhap, Dolakha, and Kavrepalanchowk, with six patients already discharged.

Other hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley are also treating survivors. Patan Hospital has cared for 10 victims of landslides and floods since last Friday. Nine have been discharged, while one remains hospitalized. Across the country, 89 survivors are receiving treatment, according to the Armed Police Force.

In response, the Ministry of Health has mandated all healthcare centers to provide free treatment to disaster victims and ensure round-the-clock emergency services. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, as families like Rimal’s continue to grapple with their losses.

Bunu Tharu/RSS