By Belina Thapa
Lamjung, June 30: Tal Gaon, a small riverside village bordering Lamjung in the south and the Himalayan district of Manang in the north, has for a long time been one of the highlights of the world-renowned Annapurna trail. Trekkers from both Nepal and abroad have long enjoyed the serene beauty of the mighty Marsyangdi River flowing across the verdant fields of the village. Today, that humble village of Nason Rural Municipality Ward No. 1 in the nook of the Marsyangdi has been ravaged by flood.
Several families have been displaced -- their farmlands ruined, their houses flattened, and their cattle swept by the current. Incessant rainfall starting from June 14 has flooded many small rivers and rivulets in Manang with floodwaters entering villages and wreaking havoc all around.
Tal Goan is one of the most severely hit areas within Manang. Minrashi Gurung, a resident, reflects on the damage inflicted upon his home with a somber air. “Yes, we have lost our homes, our livelihood. But thankfully the floods came in the afternoon, as a result of which there haven’t been any casualties so far,” he shares.
The once-thriving settlement of Tal is now completely deserted. All that remains are houses submerged in water. “With waters gradually receding, school buildings, residential houses, the ward office and slums are all covered in mud,” bemoans Ward Chairperson Jhalak Gurung.
On the morning of June 14, the residents of Tal Gaon woke up to the horrifying sight of the Marsyangdi River’s rising current.
“When the rain showed no signs of letting up, we started being worried. On the evening of that day, the electricity went out, and telephone lines were cut off,” informs Ward Chair Gurung. The next day, water in Marsyangdi had risen to dangerous levels. “Soon, we started evacuating the villagers, most of whom are now living with their relatives, and friends in Gherang and Puldanda,” he adds.
“It’s heartbreaking to see one of the most delightful tourist destinations reduced to such a dismal state,” mourns Naso Rural Municipality Chairperson, Chandra Ghale. Given the situation, the local authorities, as per Ghale, are currently contemplating relocating the entire Tal Gaon settlement elsewhere.