April 3: Storm-hit Feta Rural Municipality lies along the Kalaiya-Birgunj section of the Postal Highway. Bhulahi Bharwaliya settlement, which was worst-hit by Sunday evening’s storm, is barely 500 metres south of the highway. In the aftermath of the storm – arguably the first-of-its-kind catastrophe reported in Nepal – that left 29 people dead, the affected areas has seen a surge in the number of visits by vehicles carrying ministers with security escorts.

Looking at the crowd of the VVIPs and the supporters, it seems like there is some kind of festival going on here. Instead of healing the wounds of the survivors, this crowd has rubbed salt on their wounds.

Bharwaliya and Purainiya of Feta Rural Municipality were the worst affected by the storm in terms of human casualties and infrastructure. Out of the 500 injured, majority are from this area. The injured are struggling for treatment.

Raj Kumar of Bharwalia expects relief materials whenever he sees some stranger. They have much more expectations from the VVIPs but they only give assurance instead of relief materials.

“We heard in radio that the government has announced relief. But the reality is that we have been surviving on a fistful of beaten rice since the last three days under the open sky,” says Raj Kumar.

Following the devastation, a large number of VVIPs have visited the incident site the very next day. Prime Minister KP Oli, Deputy PM Upendra Yadav, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa all visited the area for inspection. They met the injured at Birgunj Hospital and made an aerial inspection.

Provincial Minister for Physical Infrastructure of Province 2, Jitendra Sonal, criticized the PM saying, “The affected won’t get relief just by inspecting the site from a helicopter.”

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Chairman of Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Industry Minister Matrika Yadav not only visited the devastated areas on Tuesday but also announced financial assistance.

Rastriya Janata Party Nepal presidium members Rajendra Mahato, Anil Jha and Sharat Singh Bhandari also paid a visit.

“It seems like the leaders are competing among each other for inspection,” said a local, adding, “But none of them have given attention to ensure that the victims get relief.”

There isn’t any dearth of people making commitment for support. Deuba promised Rs 2.5 million while Dahal pledged Rs 500,000 to family of each of the deceased. Province 2 government has announced Rs 300,000 for the family of the deceased each.

The victims who have got assurance of millions of rupees have been waiting all day with hope of getting a tent to sleep at night.