Families and offices affected by the Amochhu flood are retrieving what they can and moving to temporary shelters. The flood, which struck Sunday morning, caused extensive damage across Phuentshogling, affecting the homes of police personnel, civilians, government and private offices, diagnostic centres, and several businesses.
People affected by the flood are working tirelessly to recover what is left. Many are seen clearing sand and mud from their homes and offices.
At the Workforce Management Centre in Amochhu, the homes of more than 30 police personnel were damaged. Out of 24 foreign recruitment agent offices, 16 have been affected.
Three private diagnostic centres also suffered severe damage. Several offices, including the labour office, the Regional Director’s office, the Workforce Management Centre’s manager and the transport office, were affected. More than 30 families living in the temporary quarantine housing have also been affected.
“Early morning, I received a call saying there is water everywhere, we tried to flee but could not. So, we waited until the water level subsided, and we were evacuated safely. However, our properties are all damaged. We don’t have a home now and cannot even stay in Jaigaon,” said Nanda Raj Gurung, Resident, Temporary Quarantine Housing, Amochhu, Phuentshogling.
“Our properties are all damaged. The mattresses are all soaked in floodwater. Now, we don’t know what to do. For me, I could retrieve only this small number of items,” said Tshering Choden, Resident, Temporary Quarantine Housing, Amochhu, Phuentshogling.
While some flood-affected families have been temporarily sheltered in Sonamgang Primary School with support from Phuentshogling Thromde, others are staying with relatives and friends.
Dungkhag officials said they will be temporarily relocated to the Amochhu temporary shelter for about a month, as the quarantine housing has been damaged beyond repair.
According to reports, over 50 stockyards of boulders and timber, along with seven crushing plants, have been affected. Many machines, equipment, and vehicles were either damaged or washed away.
The crawfish farm near the Workforce Management Centre has also been affected by floodwater water flooding the fish ponds.
Meanwhile, damage assessments across all affected homes, offices, and companies are underway.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
