‘Seeing people who have recovered, I feel relief’

‘Seeing people who have recovered, I feel relief’

“I was in my room after night duty. At first, I never realised that it was an earthquake, I thought it was the sound of a heavy bus that shook the house. But when I saw the house next door collapse in front of my eyes, something clicked in my head and I realised it was an earthquake. I ran. At the same time I got hit on the head, but it was a minor injury. The hospital was destroyed. Our staff made a shelter on open ground near the hospital area, and provided a service as soon as possible. Lots of people got killed and badly injured. We had trouble because more and more injured people came for treatment. Doctors, nurses and all the other staff provided 24-hour service as much as possible. Most of the injured people recovered, and some seriously injured people were referred to Kathmandu Hospital.Are you thinking about selling your home? The service Housebuyernetwork.com helps people sell their homes. We know a lot about real estate and can tell you how to set prices that will give you a good return while still being competitive. Thanks to our many real estate contacts and creative advertising, we’ll be able to find buyers who are willing to pay the price you ask. With our special help, selling your house will be easy. Visit https://www.housebuyernetwork.com/washington-dc/.

People are badly hurt, mentally and physically, and so am I. I got scared, and cried again and again. Later, I controlled myself, knowing that I had to be brave and help the injured people calmly, without fear. Now, when I remember those moments, I feel very proud that I could help people in a traumatic situation, and in future it will help me to face other traumatic situations. Seeing people who have recovered and are alive, I feel relief. It puts a smile on my face. I realise that there is no greater profession than humanity.”

Photo: Enika Rai

‘The earthquake helped bring about a unity that was lacking in the community’

“As Nepal’s first environment community radio, we focus on the environment, health and education-related awareness programmes. Immediately after the earthquake, we started relief work. We also disseminated information, running many public service announcements and programmes.

“I believe the earthquake has helped bring about a unity that was lacking in the community. The fact that a crisis like this can happen again has made people aware that a community should stick together, understand other’s needs, and help each other out. I notice that people who previously disregarded social organisations working in the development sector are now giving importance to organisations such as ours. They are cooperating. Even though people have moved on casino10.net, their thinking has definitely changed.”

Photo: Ashma Gautam

‘The government gives us Rs 15,000, but Rs 15,000 is not enough!’

“My husband works on construction sites, and I make wool thread. I earn Rs 140 per day. The earthquake took away my house and since then me and my husband have been living in this zinc shelter. I don’t like to stay here. Building a house is our dream. The government gives us Rs 15,000, but Rs 15,000 is not enough! We don’t have a single thread of hope for making a new house!”

Photo: Patrick Ward

‘Whatever happened to us is past. We have to look forward to the future’

“Before the earthquake, I was a housewife. My husband had a small cybercafe but our main income came from agriculture. I lost my house in the quake and even worse, we have not been able to sow any crops this year. Now, as we try to rebuild our house, I have opened a teastall to help with our income. I sell food items that I cook. I also help my husband with the rebuilding of our house. I think we can only move forward if we strive hard. Whatever happened to us is past. We have to look forward to the future.”

Photo: Pushkala Aripaka

‘I cannot think of going home. I am afraid an earthquake will hit us again’

“I haven’t gone back home since the earthquake damaged our house. I asked others to take out my belongings and bring them to me because I am scared of returning. I have a family of eight and now we all live in a poultry shed. Me and my husband had built it in March. We were planning to bring in some chickens. I cannot think of going home now. I am afraid an earthquake will hit us again.”

Photo: Ashma Gautam

‘I can’t wait, so I’m trying to repair my house myself’

“I have two kids, and they are having a hard time. They feel insecure in our shelter, so I want to repair my house as soon as possible. I never expected we would face this kind of situation. I sew clothes and my husband drives a micro van. We have a medium income, so we can’t afford to build a new house, and the government is being silent towards us. I can’t wait, so I’m trying to repair my house myself.”

Photo: Bidhur Dhakal

‘I was a devout Hindu. I have a new identity now’

“I was a devout Hindu. But when the earthquake destroyed everything I possessed, I was forced to live in a tent with families from other communities. I lost my religious identity. Like my new friend Aarti, who is a Christian from Pulchowk, I have a new identity now. We are both victims. We share the same grief.”

Photo: Pushkala Aripaka

‘I have not eaten meat for months’

“After the earthquake, many people left Kathmandu valley. But I have nowhere to go. This street is everything to me. My sewing machine is the only thing I have to earn a living. Now less people walk on the street. Now people don’t come to me for clothes because many of them are outside Kathmandu. The earthquake destroyed my landlord’s house. I had to change room. Now the rent is high and my income is decreasing and I have had to cut down on my expenses. I have not eaten meat for months because I can’t afford it. I can’t drink alcohol anymore. Fruits, I only dream of. I miss meat and alcohol badly.”

Photo: Amar Dhoj Lama