Bhotekoshi flood in Nepal complicates access to hospitals — Kathmandu Post
The Bhotekoshi flood in Nepal has complicated access to hospitals for those affected, disrupted care for pregnant women and caused interruptions in supplies of essential medicines. This was reported by The Kathmandu Post, noting that families forced to leave their homes are still staying in temporary shelters.
Damaged roads and bridges in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts have made it more difficult to reach Trishuli Hospital and other medical facilities to which patients are referred. For some people, the journey to medical care now takes several hours longer than it did before the disaster. Such delays can be especially dangerous in cases of obstetric complications, severe illnesses in children and injuries.
Risks to the healthcare system
Flooding can contaminate drinking water sources, destroy sanitation infrastructure and disrupt medical services. Conditions in overcrowded temporary shelters, shortages of safe water and disrupted sanitation increase the risk of diarrheal and other waterborne infections. Stagnant water can also create favorable conditions for disease vectors to breed.
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The problems after the disaster are not limited to infections. People with diabetes, cardiovascular and other chronic diseases may lose access to regular treatment and necessary medicines. Pregnant women, children, older people and people with disabilities face additional risks. The need for psychological and psychosocial support may persist even after the rescue operation ends.
Assistance for those affected and preparation for new risks
This week, Nepal's government waived for three months health insurance co-payments and the identification requirement for those affected in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. The columnist stresses that during recovery it is important to assess not only damage to housing, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities, but also the healthcare system's ability to ensure continuity of services.
According to available estimates, a glacier-rock avalanche entered the Lende basin, temporarily blocked the river and caused a sudden flow of water, sediment and debris downstream. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development stated that the exact mechanisms that triggered the event and the possible contribution of prolonged warming require a separate scientific assessment. The author of the article warns that without such research, it would be incorrect to directly link this flood to climate change.
