Lions Extend Relief Support to Flood-Displaced Families Sheltering in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, September 8: Families from Rasuwa and the Bhotekoshi region who were displaced after losing their homes, relatives and property in the devastating Bhotekoshi floods and landslides are currently taking shelter in Kathmandu. Reaching out to those affected by the disaster, Lions clubs under Lions International District 325 K Nepal have extended relief support directly to families staying in temporary shelters in the capital.

Food and essential daily-use items were distributed on Tuesday to flood-affected families who were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter in Kathmandu after the devastating floods and landslides of August 26. The relief distribution was jointly organized by 19 Lions clubs under the Gandaki Area of Lions International District 325 K Nepal.

Lions International Past International Director Bal Krishna Burlakoti said the district has been continuously involved in relief operations in areas directly affected by the Bhotekoshi floods. According to him, after identifying more than 300 families from Rasuwa and Nuwakot who had been displaced and were taking shelter in Kathmandu, the Lions organization decided to extend its relief campaign to the capital as well.

The relief package included food, clothing and essential kitchen and household items required for daily life. The organizers also said efforts were being made to support temporary shelter arrangements and provide health services, psychosocial counseling and water-purification materials to ensure access to safe drinking water.

Many of the affected families are still struggling to recover from the trauma of witnessing their family members being swept away by the floods. Although the relief materials have provided some immediate assistance, the victims have called on the government to introduce long-term plans for their rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction.

The organizers said the relief was provided after assessing the condition and immediate needs of families directly affected by the disaster. Lions leaders expressed the belief that providing essential supplies to families who lost their homes and were forced to relocate to Kathmandu would offer some relief during their difficult circumstances.

Lions International District 325 K Nepal has continued its relief campaign from the disaster-affected areas to Kathmandu. A few days earlier, Lions clubs under the district, including those from the Bagmati Area, had distributed food and clothing to flood-affected communities in Nuwakot under the leadership of First Vice District Governor Lion Bishnu Hari Phuyal.

According to Lions leaders, the district’s disaster-response efforts are not limited to immediate relief. The campaign also focuses on health services, safe drinking water, temporary shelter and mental health support. Local volunteers have also assisted in making the relief distribution more effective.

The relief campaign saw the active participation of 19 Lions clubs, including Lions Club of Pokhara Kumud, LCP Central, LCP Unity Chautari, LCP Anurag, LCP Samriddhi, LCP Saptagandaki, LCP Nexus, LCP Mountain View City, LCP Sundarnagari, LCP Apex, LCP Global, LCP Peace Home, LCP Garden City, LCP Central City, LCP Galaxy, LCP Dynamic, Lions Club of Pokhara Lekhnath Garden City and LCP Beautiful City, among others.

The program was attended by Lions International Past International Director Bal Krishna Burlakoti, Lions International District 325 K Nepal Governor Ramesh Adhikari, First Vice District Governor Bishnu Hari Phuyal, Second Vice District Governor Hasan Kumar Gopali, Cabinet Secretary Ganesh GC, Cabinet Treasurer Chudamani Silwal, Chief Advisor Minraj Kafle and other Lions leaders. Local district representatives and club leaders Rajendra Acharya and Ram Krishna Awasthi also participated in the program.

Meanwhile, the Bhotekoshi disaster has also caused deep pain within the Lions family. Lion Padam Magar, Club Director of Lions Club of Kathmandu Heritage Dharahara, has remained missing since being caught in the same flood. His disappearance has added another layer of grief to the Lions community, even as its members continue to remain actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts.

Lions clubs have pledged to continue supporting disaster-affected communities not only through immediate relief but also in their long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Lions International District 325 K Nepal Global Causes Chairperson Mohan Shrestha said the district would continue strengthening its humanitarian service initiatives by standing with affected families during difficult times.