News
Finding Hope Amidst the Ruins – Kalpana Tamang’s Story
2025-02-21 10:17:14
Nepal Flood Response- 2024 (Supported by Action Aid International Nepal and implemented by Volunteer Corps Nepal)
Kalpana Tamang, a resident of Ward-5 in Konjyosom Rural Municipality, never imagined she would lose her home in a single night. The flood that tore through her village in September 2024 was unlike anything she had ever seen before. The raging waters swallowed everything in their path, leaving destruction and despair.
"The night still haunts me," Kalpana recalls. "I had never seen such a terrifying flood in my life. My heart trembled as I ran with my family, not knowing if we would survive."
By the time dawn arrived, her home—her safe space—was gone, washed away into the swollen river. But amidst the devastation, she clung to one small solace—her family was safe.
When Volunteer Corps Nepal and Action Aid International Nepal provided CGI sheets to help families rebuild, Kalpana felt a wave of relief. “I had lost everything, but now I have shelter. I cannot express how grateful I am. In this bitter winter, having a roof over our heads means survival.”
As she stands outside her newly built temporary shelter, her eyes well up—not just with sorrow for what was lost, but with gratitude for the support that helped her regain stability in the face of unimaginable hardship.
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Restoring the Lifeline – Bahadur Syangtan’s Story
Nepal Flood Response- 2024 (Supported by Action Aid International Nepal and implemented by Volunteer Corps Nepal)
At 65 years old, Bahadur Syangtan has witnessed many monsoons in Konjyosom, but nothing prepared him for the devastation of September 2024. As the chairperson of the Childada Drinking Water Users' Committee, he saw firsthand how the flood shattered their most essential resource—clean water.
“The intake was destroyed, the base of the reservoir tank was gone, and almost 3 kilometers of pipes were swept away. We were left with nothing,” he recalls.
For weeks, the villagers struggled. With no access to drinking water, they were forced to walk long distances, carrying heavy loads of water just to survive. “It was the worst situation we had ever faced,” Bahadur says.
But the restoration effort, supported by Action Aid International Nepal and Volunteer Corps Nepal, changed everything. With community mobilization, the damaged structures were rebuilt, and clean water once again flowed to over 80 households in his ward.
“This disaster showed us how vulnerable we are, but it also showed us the strength of our community,” Bahadur reflects. “I am proud of what we achieved together. We didn’t just restore a water system—we restored hope.”
Now, as he watches children fill their water containers without fear, he expresses his heartfelt gratitude. “Without this support, we would still be suffering. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Holding On for His Family – Niroj Tamang’s Story
Nepal Flood Response- 2024 (Supported by Action Aid International Nepal and implemented by Volunteer Corps Nepal)
On the night of September 28, Niroj Tamang woke to a nightmare. The sound of the landslide rumbling down the hills, the floodwaters rising, and the panic in his children's eyes—it all happened so fast. He had no time to think. At 2 AM, he grabbed his two sons—one barely a year old, the other just seven—and helped his ailing mother escape before the flood swallowed their home.
"We barely made it out," he says, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "By morning, my house was gone. Everything was gone."
With no place to stay, Niroj was forced to rent a room for his family, paying NPR 2,000 a month. With no source of income and the festive season of Dashain approaching, survival felt impossible. Then, in the chaos of displacement, a glimmer of hope arrived—financial aid of NPR 15,000 from Volunteer Corps Nepal, Action Aid and Start Fund at the police station.
“That money helped me feed my family,” Niroj shares. “And when I received the CGI sheets, I felt like I could finally breathe again. To some, it may just be 12 metal sheets, but to me, it’s the foundation of our future. It’s the chance to build a home again.”
Despite the temporary shelter he has managed, Niroj worries about the future. “I don’t know when we will have a permanent home, but at least now, we have something to hold onto.” He expresses his deep gratitude to Action Aid and Volunteer Corps Nepal, whose support was a lifeline when government aid never arrived.