Baglung, Oct. 20 -- For Rajman Budha, Dashain is usually a time to celebrate at home with family. This year, however, he and his six family members, including his elderly father, are spending the festival in a single room at an agricultural cooperative's building, with no home of their own to return to.

A flood that hit Nisikhola Rural Municipality-3 on September 27 swept away their house and farmland. The water came in the morning, giving the family just enough time to salvage some clothes and a few utensils. Everything else was lost.

Survivors initially took shelter in nearby schools. The rural municipality and ward office later helped move families into relatives' homes or other temporary accommodation. With no close relatives nearby...