News Summary
Created by AI, editorially reviewed.
- Ramprasad Tharu from Bardiya survived despite being swept away by the flood on Bhadra 10 at Mailung Hydropower Project by reaching the riverbank.
- Tharu described how while escaping flood warnings, the waves dragged him underwater, and he regained consciousness only to crawl out of the silt by himself.
- He was airlifted to Kathmandu by helicopter and is currently undergoing treatment for injuries to his legs, head, and abdomen.
Ramprasad Tharu, 35, from Jodipur, Barbardiya-1 in Bardiya district, was working at the Mailung Hydropower Project. During the devastating flood on Bhadra 10, although he was swept away, he managed to reach the riverbank and save his life. He is currently undergoing treatment. He shared his harrowing experience of that moment in an interview:
Where were you when the flood struck on Bhadra 10?
We had a night shift. After finishing the night duty, I came back in the morning, ate breakfast, and was resting when I received news about the incoming flood. I decided to flee. There were two of us in the room; another colleague was still on duty.
He came and said, ‘The flood is coming, let’s run.’ We started to run. We had reached the upper road. I was slightly above the road when the flood swept me away and dragged me down—how far, I don’t know.
What work did you do there?
I worked for a company at the hydropower project.
Which hydropower project?
Power China company at Mailung.
How did you learn about the flood?
One of our colleagues was on duty in our room located near the office. He came, grabbed his bag and told us, ‘The flood is coming, let’s run.’
When we stepped outside, other security personnel were also coming out. Once the door was closed, it was hard to hear outside sounds. So he warned us, picked up his bag, and fled. We followed him.
Did the flood drag and push you under water? Were you swept away?
Yes, the flood waves hit me and pulled me under. Then it pushed me back up, then dragged me down again. I don’t know how far it took me. I lost consciousness and when I came to, I found myself crawling out from the silt near the mountain corner. I had gone slightly upward and climbed the hill.
Were there people around when you regained consciousness?
Nobody was there. I crawled out of the silt on my own. Expecting another major flood to come and sweep me away again, I climbed higher. The army heard my voice and came to rescue me.
There is mention that divers rescued you; what is the truth?
I know the army was involved. Four or five soldiers arrived after hearing my voice.
Some say a member of the Armed Police pulled you out from the river; do you know about this?
I am not aware of that. I crawled out myself from the silt. There was no one near me at that time.
After crawling out, you climbed higher and met army and police, correct?
Yes, the army was above me. I called out for help, shivering from the cold. Four to five came and stayed with me to keep me safe. Later they said they would arrange a helicopter. Soon after, the helicopter arrived.
I am not sure where they took me from there. Although I couldn’t see, I could hear voices. My body and face were covered with mud.
Did they wash the mud off?
At the main entrance, I don’t know if they cleaned it. I had no clothes, only a vest. The army took a blanket from their bag and covered me.
Where did the helicopter take you?
It seemed like they took me to the hospital the same day. Shortly after, I regained consciousness. I heard voices saying Kathmandu. Some say I was flown to Kathmandu that same night.
How is your current health condition?
I still have many wounds that are not yet healed. The cut on my leg is severe. There are also injuries on my head and abdomen. My stomach still aches. I am a bit better than before.
When will you return home?
They said I would be discharged from the hospital today, but I won’t go home yet. My wounds haven’t healed, so I will stay at the camp.
How long had you been working at Mailung?
It’s almost been one year with intermittent visits. I first came in Saun last year. I went home in Magh, returned, then went home again in Jestha after completing planting, and came back in Saun. So, it’s only been one month since this last arrival in Saun.
