Bettiah:
A group of laborers from West Champaran, who were stranded amid the devastating floods and flash floods in Nepal, have finally returned home safely. After nearly two days of travel, the workers reached their homes late Friday evening, bringing tears of relief and happiness to their families.However, their families' worries are far from over. Three laborers who had been working with the returning group are still missing. Their families continue to search for them and hope for their safe return.The workers who returned home recounted the terrifying scenes of destruction they witnessed in Nepal. They said the floodwaters rose so rapidly that people had virtually no time to react. One of the workers said the water rose to nearly 20 feet.Jabrul Alam told IANS that he and some of his companions were sleeping when they suddenly heard a loud noise. When they went outside, they saw the floodwaters rising rapidly. He said they realized the seriousness of the situation after one of their companions, who had gone out to get medicine, returned.Some people began shouting at them, urging everyone to run towards higher ground.Jabrul said they barely had time to put on their clothes and slippers properly before running for their lives. About an hour after the water level began to recede, they went out in search of their missing companions, but could not find any trace of the three men.They searched the surrounding areas extensively and later spent the night at a school. The following morning, they saw several bodies in the area, but there was still no information about their missing companions.Salman Alam said that before the flood struck, some members of the group had gone out while others had gone to work. His father needed medicine, so one of their companions had gone to get it.At around 9:30 p.m., they suddenly began hearing loud noises. When they stepped outside, they were confronted by a terrifying scene of water and debris. The floodwaters were advancing extremely rapidly.They immediately took their companions and fled towards higher ground. Later, they went back down to search for their relatives and fellow workers, but by then houses and belongings had been swept away. There was no sign of anyone.Later, army personnel rescued them and took them to a school, where they were provided with food. The following day, they were transported by helicopter to Bhatar and from there taken to Kathmandu.From Kathmandu, they hired a Tata Sumo and travelled through Birgunj before finally reaching their homes in West Champaran.Niyam Mian said he had never witnessed such a devastating flood in Nepal before. There were several laborers in their group, three of whom went missing after the disaster.He said the water rose so quickly that everyone had to flee towards higher ground to save their lives. The floodwaters reached nearly 20 feet.After the water receded, they tried to locate their missing companions but found no clues. They continued the search the next day as well, but without success.Niyam Mian said they were airlifted by helicopter from Jhapdi Besi to Jhumche. After spending some time there, they were taken to an army camp in Bhatar. Officials assured them that they would be transported to safety.They subsequently reached Kathmandu and spent the night at a relative's home. The next day, they left for West Champaran by road, travelling through Birgunj and finally making their way back home.
