The destruction was widespread. According to Thunag Gram Panchayat Pradhan Dhaneshwar, 48 houses were completely destroyed, 63 partially damaged, and 73 shops and commercial units wiped out.

Ten buildings still lie buried under rubble, he adds, calling the need for debris removal “urgent and long overdue”.

Even as roads to Thunag market have been restored, the terrain remains treacherous and rebuilding efforts move painfully slow. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ramesh Kumar admits that the task is far from complete.

“The volume of debris is immense. We are working to clear it, but it will take more time,” he says.

But time is a luxury the villagers don’t have. As the cold winds of November sweep through the valley, temporary shelters are no match for the biting Himalayan winter.

Thunag’s r

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