We talked to few young people to describe their memorable experience during the quake. Here is what they had to say.Sangita Baniya, 29
I went to the vegetable market in Balkhu two days after the earthquake of April 25. I couldn't get any vegetables in the markets close to my home so I thought to try the big market at Balkhu.The market was devastated, vegetables were lying around squashed on the ground, and several stalls were abandoned. The market's tin roof had fallen down in one corner. Then I overheard a conversation among two vendors.
A: What is the meaning of epicenter?
B: It is the point where the earthquake starts.
A: Oh! Of course that point is at Balkhu! That tin roof over there was the first thing that broke in the earthquake!
I laughed to myself and shared the story with my family members as soon as I reached home. We all laughed for a long time.
Binayak Kuikel, 18
Well, the first shake was honestly ironic because I was at my uncle's house attending 'Narayan pooja'. Lord Narayan is known as the nurturer in Hinduism, and then in his pooja, Lord Shiva aka the destroyer was rampant. Shortly, we resumed the ceremony as we had become used to the tremors. And then on the third day of the quake, I saw one of my friends out in the streets instead of running business at his shop. I asked him that why his shop was closed. He replied, "Because earthquake visits me more often than customers nowadays."
Prateema Dhakal, 24
When the earthquake hit us, my pet fish were one of the first things that came to my mind. I was very worried about them. I didn't think of running out as I felt that the aquarium was going to crash. I held on to it the entire two minutes of the first quake. I have nine fish and I really enjoy looking at them swimming around. I came out of my home after 45 minutes, and that too only because I got scolding from my parents. They were very angry with me for staying put inside the house even when they ran out and were shouting at me to come out, too.
Ajnish Ghimire, 17
Even though the aftermath to the quake we faced was grave, I felt that after sometime, people had given in to humor. I remember how nervous the earthquake had made me, but very soon I began to laugh at my "luck". The mirth began with the "commode" fact. For reasons unknown, I would impeccably be in the bathroom during most of the aftershocks. When I would get outside to the open area, my parents along with neighbors whom I hadn't spoken to for years would make fun of me. I was then playfully nicknamed "Charpibabu" (Toilet boy).
Such another funny incident took place in Chaugadha, Nuwakot. I was volunteering from the Rotaract Club of Kathmandu Metro for a relief distribution project and a medical camp. I was taking pictures of the debris and the devastation for recording when out of blue came an old lady and asked me to take a selfie with her. I was surprised to hear the word 'selfie' coming from her mouth, out of all people. Upon the request, we then took a snap and she gave her best smile.
Pratap Ghimire, 16
I was using my computer when suddenly I felt the floor below me shake. I knew immediately that it was earthquake, so I hid myself under the bed, as was taught to me during a training organized by Red Cross. Even though it had been less than a minute, it felt as long as 15 minutes. I got out and was relieved to know that all the members of my family were safe.
Later, I asked my grandfather, what could be the religious cause behind the earthquake. He replied, "Our earth is held by Lord Bishnu in the Avatar of a Kachuwa (tortoise). Sometimes the Kachuwa jolts, which causes the earth to shake resulting into the earthquake."
I could not help chuckling to that. It was a humor at its best.
Prasant Niroula, 20
The day after the quake of April 25, I went to a nearby department store to buy few dry edibles. Not surprisingly, everyone there seemed worried and agitated. There was a small crowd in the grocery section most likely because of the probable fear of food shortage. I paid for the few items I bought and came out of the store.
Then on my way out, I saw two ladies busy choosing lipsticks. That got me pretty shocked, pondering what many things we humans need to survive!
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