Flood fears rise in Sugabathan as embankment work lags

An impoverished settlement in Jhapa on the bank of Kankai river is looking at another monsoon without long-promised flood defences.

Sugabathan, a small settlement in ward 2 of Jhapa Rural Municipality, faces a persistent threat from the nearby Kankai river. Home to over 50 families—mostly from the Hemaram, Tudu and Santhal communities—the village consists of modest bamboo homes located just 50 metres from the river. During monsoon season, floods are a recurring nightmare. Also this Saturday, floodwaters breached the settlement and inundated 20 homes.