In Nepal, where mountainous and hilly terrain makes up most of the landscape, landslides are common during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September and brings about 80% of the nation’s annual rainfall. Recently, the damage has worsened as the rainy season continues to lengthen.
On September 15, 15 members of ASEZ STAR, the Church of God Student Volunteer Group, from the Tokha region of Nepal joined forces to help restore a community affected by a landslide. They had heard that a path leading to a local water source had been blocked by debris washed down from the mountain during a downpour, and they stepped in to help remove the mud and rubble.
The water source is located in Astabakra Kuwa Park in Tarakeshwar. Together with local residents, the members used shovels to clear the thick layers of mud covering steep stairs and walkways. They sorted out branches buried in the soil, filled sandbags with dirt, and worked to restore the park and the pathway leading to the water source.
Sital Limbu, one of the student volunteers, shared, “I saw people disheartened because the path to the water source had been blocked by three days of heavy rain. I did my best, following the adults, to help them drink clean water again.” Another member, Neha Bayalkoti, added, “One of our members actually uses that water source regularly. We were grateful for the opportunity to help our neighbors in need.”
