Bara, April 1

The devastating storm coupled with rains killed four members of Ijahar Ansari’s family at Purainiya of Pheta Rural Municipality, Bara, yesterday. Aged 70 Ansari has no choice, but to accept the painful truth.

Ansari’s wife Mina Khatun, 60, daughter-in-law Sakima Khatun, 35, grand-daughters Samsida Khatun, 12, and Roksar, 10, lost their lives to the rage of the storm. The death of four family members has affected Ansari mentally.

Ansari’s son Sahbudin Ansari aged 40 is critically injured and has lost consciousness. Sahbudin is being treated at Narayani Sub-regional Hospital, Birgunj. Ansari’s nine-year-old grandson Saheb Ansari is safe as he had gone to his maternal uncle’s home in Ghughardiha, India.

A team of Nepali Army removing debris in Pheta Rural Municipality, Bara, on Monday, April 1, 2019. Photo: THT

Natural disaster survivors eating amidst the destroyed structures in Bhaluhi, Birgunj, on Monday, April 1, 2019. Photo: THT

As the storm has turned Purainiya, Bhalohi and Bharbaliya villages of Pheta into rubble, there is no place left to shelter for the victims. Harvested grains and crops were destroyed. The storm that lasted for around 20 minutes has changed the face of Pheta and caused unimaginable loss.

Three persons were killed at Bhaluhi Bharbaliya of Pheta Rural Municipality, while more than 200 locals were injured. Around 100 houses were destroyed in the village. Ward Chair Jaya Prakash Das said he had never ever imagined this kind of storm in his life.

Pheta Rural Municipality Chair Amiri Prasad said locals were living on empty stomachs ever since the storm struck the area. “Neighbours and security personnel arrived for rescue work immediately after the incident which prevented further human casualty,” Prasad stated. According to him, a tipper has been deployed to deliver food to victims, who have nothing, but what they are wearing. He demanded that makeshift tents be provided as early as possible.