Sep 13, Kathmandu - Community health volunteers from Panchkhal Municipality and women from Namo Buddha Municipality have redirected their Teej festival expenses to support flood-affected victims.

Women health volunteers from wards 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Panchkhal Municipality donated NPR 15,545 on Bhadra 10 to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund to aid victims of the Bhote Koshi River flood in Rasuwa. The funds, collected from the 'Didibaini Group' organized by the women's health volunteers, aim to provide relief rather than celebration.

Similarly, women from Namo Buddha Municipality contributed NPR 91,345 to the same disaster relief fund, choosing to forego their Teej celebration this year. The collection was led by the municipality's women, children, and social welfare sub-branch, emphasizing community support and humanitarian values.

Following the decision to divert festival expenses to flood relief efforts, these contributions exemplify social unity and compassion during times of crisis.

Meanwhile, the District Administration Office, Dhulikhel, reported that 37 residents from Kavre and Sindhupalchowk remain uncontacted following visits to the Bhotekoshi flood zone. Out of 47 individuals reported missing, 8 families have been contacted, and 2 bodies have been recovered.

The devastating floods caused by the Bhote Koshi River have resulted in significant loss of life and property in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the disaster has claimed 1,385 lives, with 5,130 people missing, 13,676 rescued, and 7,655 injured.

The initiative by Kavre women to donate festival funds toward flood relief highlights the power of social unity and human compassion in disaster response efforts.