KATHMANDU: Two years after the devastating floods in Nallu Khola, the residents of Tikabhairav in Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, remain gripped by fear. As the monsoon continues to bring heavy rainfall, locals are haunted by the memory of the disaster, worrying that a similar event might recur.

Local resident Krishna Shrestha recalls the sight of the temple being swept away and the community being inundated, describing how people fled with their children and livestock to save their lives. The flood on Sept. 28, 2024, caused extensive damage to homes, farmland, and infrastructure. Krishna Khadka, 75, noted that warnings of heavy rainfall now keep him awake at night, fueling anxiety about potential destruction.

For shopkeepers and residents like Ramesh Khatri and Sharada Pokharel, rain is no longer just weather; it is a source of constant uncertainty. Pokharel says that whenever it rains, she feels compelled to check the water level of the Nallu stream, making it a daily routine to ensure the area is safe. The loss of the temple has also impacted local religious tourism, with residents noting a significant decline in visitors since the structure was destroyed. While reconstruction efforts are underway, the community continues to face the challenges of lost farmland and the lingering trauma of the flood.

Meanwhile, meteorologist David Dhakal from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned that heavy to extreme rainfall is expected in various parts of the country through Saturday. He noted that there is a risk of snowfall in the mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. According to the department, weather conditions are expected to improve gradually starting Sunday. Officials have urged residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant against floods and landslides and to monitor official updates regularly.