After the flood of Bhotekoshi in Rasuwa's Uttargaya area caused huge loss of human wealth, its most serious impact was on children. Many children displaced by the floods are now living in schools and temporary shelters. A large number of them are without contact with their family members. After the floods, the daily life of the children who were moved to safer places has been completely changed. Regular studies, normal daily life with family and friends suddenly stopped. Some of the children are still searching for their parents, while some have not even been able to find out if their family members are alive.
Many houses have been completely damaged after various settlements of Uttar Gaya region were hit by floods. In some places, the river has washed away the structures so that there are no settlements left. Along with families who have lost their homes, school-age children have also been displaced. According to the preliminary information collected at the local level, about three and a half hundred children have not yet been able to come in contact with their families or relatives. Due to disruption of communication services and difficulty in reaching the affected areas, the actual number is yet to be ascertained. Some schools have been used as temporary shelters for flood-affected children. Children of different age groups are placed in the same place. Their food, accommodation and security arrangements are being arranged by the local community, teachers and volunteers.
There is fear and confusion among children separated from their families. Some children often look outward, approach new people and look for relatives. For them, the need for emotional support and a safe environment has increased along with relief materials. Some schools have also been completely damaged due to floods. Due to the damage to school buildings, classrooms, educational materials and other infrastructure, educational activities in the affected areas have been disrupted. There is also no clarity on when regular studies will start.
According to the information available at the local level, there is preliminary information that more than 50 children have lost their parents or guardians in the flood. It is estimated that this number may increase as the search and identification work continues. Even though the flood created a problem of housing and education at the time, it is seen that its long-term effects may be more serious. There is a need to pay special attention to the protection, education, rehabilitation and mental health of children who have lost their families.
Along with the rescue and relief work, the search for the missing persons is going on in the affected settlements. But due to difficult geographical conditions and communication problems, the search operation has become challenging.
