Susta residents work through the night to hold back the Narayani river

Villagers are building makeshift embankments to protect their homes as river erosion worsens and an Indian border force blocks construction of a permanent structure.

The clock showed 1:25 am. Along the banks of the Narayani river in Susta Rural Municipality-5 of West Nawalparasi, however, young men were still hauling sacks filled with soil. Those unable to carry the heavy sacks were busy arranging wire mesh.