Landslide-ravaged Ilam settlements in dire straits as relief efforts lag

Landslides and floods over the weekend killed 39 and displaced 276 families in the eastern Nepal district.

Raju Chhetri’s house in Manebhanjyang in ward 1 of Suryodaya Municipality in Ilam was filled with laughter and warmth during the Dashain. Guests had arrived, Raju was preparing for a trip to Sandakpur, and joy filled the air. But within hours, the festive cheer turned into an unthinkable tragedy.