Together in the worst of times

April 25 was just another ordinary yet lovely Saturday for people in Kathmandu. It was a sunny day. Many had a break from the regular office work, schools were closed, and families were out to enjoy. From the partially open markets and light traffic, it was evident that Kathmandu was on its weekly break. This was right before the earthquake at noon that, in many ways, altered many things forever.

With the tremors, the face of Kathmandu was changed. By the time people regained their senses, our heritages were in ruins, and many had lost their loved ones, and homes. The earthquake killed many, and injured an equal, if not more, number of people. Many lost their lives trapped in the debris, while a few were rescued alive.

A generation that had only heard about the 'Nabbe saalko bhuinchalo' (in 1934) that had wreaked havoc in the Valley, and damaged Dharahara in the process, saw history flash before their eyes. The tall Dharahara was reduced to rubble and many people were buried among the debris within a few seconds of the quake. Other old and precious heritage sites in the capital had met a similar fate.

The scale of destruction was worse in other districts – Gorkha, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchowk. Survivors of the earthquake were just gathering courage to face the unimaginable loss when yet another tremor measuring 6.9 Richter scale followed the next day. Additional lives were claimed and further damages were done. Everyone who survived was in a state of shock.

By then, the tragedy in Nepal had drawn the attention of the international media. Families and well wishers living abroad wanted to know every detail and how they could help. At home, Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force had sprung to action.

Meanwhile, the government drew criticism for delayed coordination at a time of emergency. The chaos regarding when and how to distribute relief materials donated by national and international bodies angered the victims and the general public. Criticism also befell the Indian media for its dramatic and insensitive coverage of the disaster. 'Go Home Indian Media', a trend on Twitter made popular by Nepalis, garnered even Indian supporters who openly expressed their disgust against the unprofessionalism 'which they had been tolerating for decades'.

Countries that loved Nepal, including Israel, China, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the UK, Japan and the USA, among others, carved a permanent place in our hearts by the their overwhelming support. The government later admitted its slackness in dealing with the disaster ‘due to the lack of experience in handling a tragedy of such magnitude’ and also asked the media to cooperate by disseminating positive news and views 'at the time of crisis'.

Six days after the earthquake, the government was finally able to show its presence, albeit a weak one, at the hardest hit community in Sindhupalchowk and many individuals and organizations had started to reach Gorkha and Nuwakot as well.

Within a week of the earthquake, Kathmandu, a city that was abandoned by over 500,000 people due to the fear of powerful aftershocks and probable epidemic outbreak as well as to reunite with their families in villages, was gradually on its way to recovery. The once-in-a-lifetime disaster had somewhat even changed it for the better: Kathmandu felt more matured, humbler, and humane.

Living aside a few reports of clashes between the relief distributors and the victims, the overall situation was simply moving. Self-motivated groups of people of different age groups and different walks of life reached out to victims. Many went to remote districts on their own to distribute food and tents. Even those who lost everything in the earthquake were calm and generous. Mike McRoberts, a senior journalist from New Zealand, shared in social media about how surprised he was when a woman in Bhaktapur who had lost everything to the quake invited him for lunch.

Had Nepalis not shown the decency, patience, and unity in the face of tragedy, the situation could have taken a turn for the worst. News of looting, sexual abuses, and clashes would make the headlines and shadow reports of progress. The government would indeed find it far more challenging to function amidst the added chaos.

However, currently, even though the rescue operations have been expedited, death toll is on the rise and expected to cross 10,000. Similarly, double the present number is feared to be severely injured. Relief materials are yet to reach many of the affected areas. The plights of people in the remote hilly districts have not subsided, calling for urgent attention of the government and non-government sector in those areas. Post relief works, the government needs to take other measures to bring some semblance of normalcy in the lives of many who have been adversely affected by the quakes.

Now that so much has happened right before our eyes, we are left to contemplate on what we did, who we are, and what needs to be done for a better future.

Nepal was simply not prepared for the devastating earthquake that hit the country on 25th April. Despite warnings, our government and the people in Kathmandu City had chosen to remain oblivious to the possibility of any such disaster. The poorly and haphazardly constructed infrastructures, within the Valley and around the Ring Road, were gradually taking a toll on Kathmandu's beauty, comfort and safety, and the city finally paid a heavy price.

Now the city has got a second chance to refine itself. Due to its wonderful climate and scenic beauty, Kathmandu has always mesmerized people. Proper planning and approach are sure to give a facelift to a valley that is home to the Gods.

The first step in the new journey would be demolition of the residences, malls, complexes that are on the verge of collapse due to the damage done by the quake followed by rebuilding of our heritage sites, implementation of suitable plans and policies to reclaim the lost aura of the city. Also, the scattered households in the hilly districts need to be brought closer so that the people have better access to basic facilities. The government can no longer afford to leave people on their own, especially not after witnessing just how challenging it was to even connect with those living in remote areas at a time of nationwide crises.

All of us have lost something in this disaster that shook the entire nation. But in the process of rising up from the tragedy, I believe, we have gained a little something, too. We have emerged wiser and more confident. If we could get over something as disastrous as the recent series of earthquakes, surely we can do much better as a nation in the future. The strength of the country, as the disaster made even more apparent, lies in its people who firmly believe in life and in the strength that comes from togetherness.

journo.anjali@gmail.com