Hetauda, December 21

The bone-chilling cold has been giving the earthquake victims of Simbhanjyang, Makawanpur, a hard time in their temporary huts.

The victims have been living in tents and temporary huts for the last eight months after the April 25 quake rendered them homeless. They have nowbegun to fall ill with the temperature dipping sharply.

The cold has mostly affected the elderly and children.

The people of Namatar were shifted to Simbhanjyang after their lands developed cracks due to the temblor and subsequent aftershocks.

Temporary Camp Management Committee Chairman Sitaram Moktan said, “The government is mum regarding the victims’ plight though eight months have passed since the disaster.” He added that it was very difficult for the victims to spend the cold winter nights under temporary huts.

Shiva Kumar Bal, a victim, said though they had requested the authority to manage electricity service, no one had taken the initiative in this regard till date. “However, Gham Power, Kathmandu managed a solar system for us,” he informed.

Meanwhile, Assistant Health Worker Chiniya Lama of Primary Health Centre, Palung, said the number of patients suffering from cold-related diseases had increased in the health facilities.

As many as 60 households live in Simbhanjyang. The victims demanded that the government manage residences for them and shift them from the temporary place.