Rainstorm victims have demanded the government find permanent solutions to their problems. People displaced by Sunday evening’s devastation are worried their situation will worsen, especially during the upcoming monsoon season, as the plains are susceptible to floods and the makeshift tents they are currently taking shelter under will get inundated.

Rajendra Das, a victim of the rainstorm in Bhulahi, Pheta Rural Municipality-1, said, “In the past, we could at least preserve food grains and clothes inside our houses, even if there were floods. This year, we have nothing,” said Rajendra.

Victims have demanded that authorities start reconstructing their houses soon, before the monsoons occur. “The government should immediately make plans to resettle storm victims,” said Rajendra, who is performing the 13-day death ritual of his father Hari Narayan, who was killed after a pillar crushed him in the rainstorm.

“As per tradition, relatives visit us while we perform the rituals of the deceased. But I cannot do that now, as there’s no space to accommodate guests,” Rajendra added.

Not only Rajendra, Najma Khatun of Purainiya in Pheta Rural Municipality-6 also shared similar ordeals. Najma also requested the government to construct permanent houses for the victims soon. Nagma, who sustained injuries on her head and other body parts after being crushed by her collapsed house, said that her 10-member family has currently been staying under a tent, with a lot of difficulty. “Our children might fall sick here,” said Najma, adding that there are dead cattle and debris of collapsed houses around them, and the air around them has started to sour.

Victims are also worried that they will face a scarcity of drinking water and other essentials during the monsoon. Sushil Yadav, officiating administrative officer of Pheta Rural Municipality, said that the entire village will have to face an epidemic if the government delays in reconstruction works. “We have seen monsoon rains creating havoc in the past,” said Yadav, adding that flood waters can wreak havoc on unmanaged settlements.