Heavy rainfall across Bagmati Province, Nepal, recently triggered severe flooding in Galchi Rural Municipality, damaging critical infrastructure and leaving Baireni Hospital submerged in mud. With local health services halted, Tzu Chi volunteers joined forces with local medical personnel, government officials, and international relief teams to clean and repair the facility, working to restore healthcare access for surrounding villages.

Clearing the path to recovery

Cleanup efforts began on September 1, 2026, as teams worked inside the facility to clear mud and debris. Heavy machinery arrived on September 6 to clear the deep sludge blocking the main entrance and surrounding roadways, enabling safer access for medical transport and equipment deliveries.

Restoring wards and equipment

Inside the facility, teams systematically cleaned flooded spaces, sanitized medical supplies, and evaluated remaining equipment. Submerged tools from the operating room and administrative computers were washed and dried, allowing portions of the equipment to be readied for operation.

On September 6, newly procured medical equipment and consumables arrived on site. Volunteers collaborated with contractors to assemble beds, set up furniture across three temporary wards, and establish organized patient routing. Banners were placed along the nearby main road to inform local residents that outpatient and emergency services would resume on September 7.

In a letter to the Social Welfare Council, Galchi Rural Municipality Chair Kedarnath Khatiwada expressed appreciation to all volunteers and organizations involved in the rapid cleanup, medical support, and resource distribution. Municipal leadership affirmed its commitment to working with official channels to guide ongoing recovery and rebuild local infrastructure.

Written by Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)