Kathmandu— The Bhotekoshi floods of August 26 have left children in Rasuwa and surrounding areas grappling with psychological trauma beyond physical destruction, as damaged schools and lost family members compound their distress, requiring immediate psychosocial assistance alongside infrastructure rebuilding efforts.

Psychological Impact on Children

For children in Rasuwa, the aftermath of the Bhotekoshi floods extends far beyond the physical devastation of destroyed homes and schools. Many children have experienced the sudden loss of family members or been separated from caregivers, while the destruction of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Nuwakot—where over 900 students were evacuated just before the flood washed it away—has disrupted education for thousands.

Children exhibit symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, fear of noise, emotional unresponsiveness, bedwetting, and regression in previously acquired skills. These reactions, described as 'acts of fear and severe stress' rather than mere 'bad behaviour,' highlight the urgent need for psychosocial support as a core element of humanitarian aid, not an afterthought once physical infrastructure is restored.

Recovery efforts must prioritize both rebuilding physical structures and addressing children's psychological trauma to restore their sense of safety and trust, ensuring that healing extends beyond the immediate disaster response.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.