More than two weeks after flash floods and landslides ravaged Denchukha Gewog in Samtse, the community is grappling with the wreckage left behind. Roads are destroyed, houses stand damaged, and fields lie buried under mud and debris.
The once vibrant village now remains in a pitiful state, as residents struggle to rebuild their shattered lives.
The river has receded, allowing residents to walk to their homes.
The temporary bamboo bridge has become a lifeline after a bridge over Amochu was washed away.
It is a steep five-hour climb to the Denchukha gewog centre from the bridge.
And having to carry everything on your back makes it even arduous. Every step is a struggle against tangled roots and steep slopes, but they press on with unwavering determination.
The aftermath of the floods and landslides has turned Denchukha’s once peaceful landscape into a scene of heartbreak. The blacktopped road that once ran gracefully through quiet villages now lies in ruins, torn apart, buried in debris, and scarred beyond recognition. Many stretches of the road have been washed away completely, making it difficult even for people to walk.
Irrigation channels and water sources have also been damaged. People are worried that it could take years to rebuild their community.
Ganga Ram Dahl, a resident of Denchukha said, “The roads are destroyed. The Hume pipes got blocked, and water ran over the road, destroying everything in its path. Our homes and lands, fields are all damaged. Our hard work has gone in vain. We don’t have a road to visit, even the nearest BHU here. Some houses have become unlivable.”
“Flood water got into my house and left my house covered in debris. Also, my fields are left covered in debris. We depend on farming, and I have grown vegetables in the fields. It has become like a riverbank, and I am worried about how I would clear the debris,” said Lobzang Dorji, another resident.
Denchukha Gup Vaskar Chapagai said, “The roads in our gewog have been severely damaged, and it looks beyond our capacity to repair. We even had to relocate several people. So, looking at the damage severity, I don’t think Gewog alone would be able to rebuild what has been destroyed. It’s going to be really difficult. We are in the process of submitting the reports to the District. So I would like to request the relevant offices to help us rebuild our community.”
As you enter the gewog, the scale of destruction becomes painfully clear. Debris litters every corner, and villagers bear the heavy scars of devastation.
The heavy rains and flash floods of 5th October have left a trail of destruction. The people of Denchukha are trapped in uncertainty, unsure of what the days ahead will bring.
Yet, amid the fear and helplessness, they cling to hope, ready to begin the long road to recovery and rebuild their lives.
Kinley Dem, Samtse
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
