Displacement Narrators reporting from Nepal: September 2020

Climate change and the environment determinants of violence and mental distress in fragile contexts: Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Nepal

Professor Tamsin Bradley, University of Portsmouth

Key issues among communities

A partial lockdown this month led to the shutdown of businesses and has also left schools closed.  However, the overall impact of Covid-19 remains relatively low. Environmental conditions generally have been favourable. The main issues highlighted that continue to characterise the community include: 

• Use of Alcohol
• Gambling
• Poverty
• Domestic Violence
• Polygamy
• Floods

Environmental conditions

The rains this month have helped a lot of crops to grow properly. The harvest is expected to be good and there is a lot of water available which provides a good opportunity for cultivation. Rains have been devastating in a few places with a lot of houses near riverbanks destroyed. The rainy season has now stopped, and months of good weather have started, so there are not so many people affected by different diseases. 

In Ward 19, the river and ponds have plenty of water, and people have access to these sources for their daily use.  Availability of water makes the regular practice of hand washing possible, as required to prevent the spread of  Covid-19.  However, the extent to which this practice is being followed, has yet to be tracked/researched.

COVID situation

The Covid-19 crisis has continued to affect Biratnagar, with the rampant spread of the virus not helped by the close border with India. One woman has died this month due to the virus and 12 people tested positive.

Despite this there has not been much disruption. Most people in Biratnagar work in local factories and industries and are involved in physical tasks which means that they are generally fit and healthy. This means they are at less risk of severe effects from the virus and are recovering if they become infected. However, segregation for Covid-19 patients in the hospital is limited and people are not going for treatment due to the scarcity beds and the cost.

The fear and the infection rate of COVID 19 has risen, but there continues to be a lack of awareness and concern, with many in the community treating the virus as a seasonal flu, and not wearing masks when they are in their villages. There is little observed use of hand sanitizers and many people gather in the villages. 

People engaged in agriculture are social distancing while working and are wearing masks when travelling. They are frequently washing their hands with soap and water.  

Local markets are open and green vegetables and others food items are easily found.  People are seen wearing masks in the markets, with the local media frequently raising awareness about the virus but they are not able to maintain social distance especially in the local markets and the bus, ‘tempo’ park area. Nepal police are frequently mobilized to check on the masses. 

Mental health and wellbeing

There have not been major mental health concerns reported this month, as people in Biratnagar metropolitan are finding work. Medical facilities are being provided to those who do suffer from health problems, and these are available daily with emergency services open all the time. Services include free medicines, awareness campaigns on sanitation, establishment of polio- booths and ‘help centres’ for pregnant women. It is anticipated that with Covid-19 increasing wider services will be needed in the future.

Community members highlighted two current issues: 

1. Polio protection is not being provided to newborns in polio booths and it is hard for pregnant women to come to the booths at times when this is needed.
2. Other health services for new-borns and their mothers have been disrupted and this needs further attention. 

Gender issues and incidents of violence

The lockdown is not as strict as it used to be, so a lot of people work during the day and start drinking alcohol in the evening/night. Last month there was one case of domestic violence reported by the police department, and one case was related to polygamy where the punishment procedure is proceeding.
 
Photo suggested: A scene from the community, highlighting floods or something indicative of the livelihoods in the context

Support received from government and other agencies

Although people had anticipated relief, no assistance was provided by the government or other agencies this month. The municipality held discussions with the Ward, to obtain information to support regular planning but so far this has not been effective as Concrete plans and implementation activities are not evident.