Preeti Kafle
Natural disasters leave impacts on people’s lives for a long time. For the survivors, the struggle doesn’t end even after the news headlines cease, but in their daily lives and decisions. One of the wards of Uttargaya Gaupalika was such a place where the earthquake impact didn’t cease in 2015 but continued to affect all aspects of life, from health and shelter to education and well-being.
When the earthquake struck in 2015, villages like Tiru, Gogane, and Karumaryang in Rasuwa were wiped out. The majority of places in these villages have identified risk zones for landslides, making them unsuitable for settlement. Having no choice, survivors started seeking shelter in various locations. Despite being a danger zone for living due to floods, they began to live in Khalte along the banks of the Trishuli River after being displaced. Now, most of the families reside in a single room of a tin shack in Khalte and adjust to a crowded settlement.
During my month-long Community Health Diagnosis, I closely witnessed the lives, hardships, and challenges faced by Khalte Basti. Transect walks, interviews, and observation checklists helped me immerse myself in the community and gather deeper insights into their experiences. Entire families live under tin roofs in houses that offer little protection from heat, cold, or rain. There is no proper drainage system, and stagnant water from households increases the risk of communicable diseases. Infectious diseases can easily spread in a densely packed settlement. Years of displacement have made the crisis feel routine, where the lack of waste disposal, constant financial stress, and overcrowded living conditions have come to feel like a normal part of daily life. Additionally, the lack of employment opportunities adds another layer of insecurity, especially for wage earners who live hand-to-mouth. Without steady income, families cannot afford necessities like nutritious food, hygiene products, or medical treatment, making them more vulnerable to illness in a place already at high risk for disease transmission.
Despite the challenges and living circumstances, what stays with me is the spirit of community resilience and sense of belonging. During my visit, it was the time for Sonam Lohsar, and I could see everyone enjoying the festival with dance, music, and traditional attire. With limited space and resources, they have created home-based shops and shared cooking spaces that work for them. Families support one another and share emotions and happiness. This support is what keeps the community alive. Whether building a new house, caring for a sick neighbor, or consoling a grieving family, the people of Khalte Basti are bound by a culture of mutual care and empathy. Living with adversity, people learn to adapt and to rebuild their lives and have the strength to fight against all odds.
Khalte helped me to understand what it feels like to live in years of uncertainty, to be raised in densely populated settlements, and to discover resilience when everything around you is compromised. It helped me to understand the everyday struggles of marginalized communities and how survival becomes a daily act of strength. It has deepened my commitment to work for advocacy and amplify the stories of people.