Key Takeaways:

• 10 killed, 63 families displaced in last year's Lekharka landslide
• Survivors still living in cramped tin shelters or with relatives
• Residents say ordinary rainfall triggers fear of new disaster.
• Families demand safe housing, relocation, and reconstruction of infrastructure

RAMECHHAP, AUGUST 16 A year after a devastating landslide killed 10 people in Ramechhap's Lekharka, survivors are still living in temporary shelters and say even ordinary rainfall brings back the fear of another disaster. Sixty-three families were displaced after the landslide struck Lekharka in Doramba Shailung Rural Municipality-3 last year. Some are still staying with relatives and neighbours, while others have been housed in temporary tin shelters built near the rural municipality office. For Meherman Pahari, the hardship is particularly acute: his family of 10 is living in a single room of a temporary shelter. Other displaced families say the cramped shelters and limited facilities have made daily life increasingly difficult, particularly for children, elderly people and women. Bishnu Kumari Pahari, 56, said the families living in the temporary shelters were struggling with the limited space and facilities. Maiya Pahari, 64, who lost her house and land to the landslide, said she is currently living in one room of a tin shelter with her two sons and daughters-in-law. Even families who have remained in Lekharka do not feel safe. Residents say they become anxious whenever it rains, fearing that another landslide could occur. The landslide last year killed 10 people, including four members of a single family, and caused extensive damage to homes and property. Survivors say they are now seeking more than short-term relief. They have urged the federal, provincial and local governments to arrange safe housing, relocate settlements considered at risk and build permanent homes. They have also called for the reconstruction of roads, drinking water systems, electricity and other basic infrastructure damaged by the disaster. Survivors say they cannot remain in temporary shelters indefinitely and have urged the three levels of government to coordinate on a clear, long-term rehabilitation plan.