Collective grief

The Nepali media, even during the best of times, tends to be highly critical of their government. Criticizing the government, in fact, is the oldest weapon in the arsenal of Nepali journalists. It's easy too. But how do you praise a government whose most notable contribution to the relief and rescue efforts following the single biggest tragedy in modern Nepali history is its complete absence? There are massive planes landing at TIA every hour, bringing in much-needed tents, first-aid kits and food items for earthquake victims. But what good is the generous outside help if it does not reach the people who need it the most?

In Sindhupalchowk district, thousands of families who lost their homes are now under open skies. They don't have anything to eat. They have tried to contact government officials, but in vain. Desperate, they are now calling up media personnel, begging them to get them tents and beaten rice, without which, they say, they cannot see themselves surviving beyond a couple of days. In Gorkha, the Gurung VDC of Barpac has been completely flattened. As of this writing, the locals were yet to receive any government help.

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala gave an extremely poor account of himself when he chose to leave the country last week in the middle of a raging swine flu epidemic in the Mid-West. He was, as a result, outside Nepal during Saturday's quake. But even after his return on Sunday Koirala and his government have been unable to come to help earthquake victims. The death toll, meanwhile, is mounting. As of this writing, 4,000 people are confirmed dead. The number of casualties could rise exponentially if hundreds of thousands of people aren't provided immediate food and shelter. But for this there must be better coordination between the government at the center and its line agencies, the kind of coordination that, so far, has been missing. Otherwise, it is inconceivable that 300 people could simply 'disappear' in Dolakha district (as is being reported) without government's notice.

If the government is serious, there are a number of ways to help those in need. One way could be to mobilize all civil servants in relief efforts. At this time of national crisis, they could be put to no better use. Then there are our politicians. Eight years and no constitution, our political leadership, starting with the prime minister, has been a disappointment. They now have another opportunity to prove their commitment to Nepali people. For a credible response, the government and political parties must work closely with private sector, civil society and I/NGOs. Government agencies, as we have already seen, can do precious little on their own. We would also like to urge all our readers to do whatever they can to help their brethren. This contribution might be in the form of monetary help, volunteering at the thousands of makeshifts camps that have gone up in every part of the country, or collecting food and clothes for victim families. No effort, when added together, is small. This is an unprecedented tragedy. It calls for an unprecedented, collective response.

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