KATHMANDU, Aug 28: A survivor of the devastating Bhotekoshi flood has said that several people in Dhunge Bazaar, Nuwakot, ignored advance warnings and went towards the Trishuli bridge to watch and film the rising flood, with some ultimately being swept away.
Local resident Dipesh Dangol, who survived the disaster and reached Bidur, said authorities had warned residents of the flood around 20 minutes before it occurred and urged those in vulnerable areas to move towards safer locations.
However, according to Dangol, many people instead closed their shops and headed towards the Trishuli bridge to watch the flood and take selfies and videos.
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“Even after being warned that the flood was coming, many went to the bridge to take selfies. They said they would make videos and get more views,” Dangol said.
He said many of those who knowingly entered the dangerous area were swept away as the flood intensified. He believes more lives could have been saved had people moved to safety immediately after receiving the warning.
Dangol said he watched the Trishuli Hydropower Station, market buildings and even the bridge being swept away by the flood before he managed to reach safety in Bidur.
He described ignoring official warnings during disasters as extremely dangerous, saying people often refuse to follow instructions from authorities or even from their families.
The incident has highlighted the dangers of approaching disaster zones to capture videos or selfies, even after receiving official warnings to evacuate.
