Simkot, Jan 5 : The flood-affected families in the southern part of Humla district have been living in tents for the last six months.

The 24 families belonging to the Dalit community at Uttiseni, Tanjakot Rural Municipality-4, are braving the winter under makeshift tents made from tarpaulin sheets. 

   
Although these families have been urging the district authorities since July for their proper relocation to a safe area, their pleas have not been heard.

These families were displaced from their homes after a flood-damaged their houses.    

"The flood and landslide washed away our shelter and whatever property we had in July.

We could not afford to construct new houses as we are poor and are living in tents," said Sarpala Sarki.

He added that they have no money even for managing food for their families as they could not work during the lockdown imposed for containing the coronavirus pandemic. Most of the families earn their livelihood through wage labor. 

   
Another local, Mohan Ramtel said although various governmental and non-governmental organizations, the provincial government and the local levels, promised them relief, they have not yet got it.    

"It seems the government only made false promises to us. We are barely making ends meet with the little assistance and relief that the various NGOs have been providing us," he said.

The Navajyoti Samaj Sanstha and the Buddhist Foundation distributed one tent to each family recently, said Thinley Dorje Lama, president of the Sanstha.    

Meanwhile, both organizations distributed rice grain to the 33 flood-affected families at Aadanchuli Rural Municipality-6 in the south of the district.