The tribulation of LWF Nepal relief workers
ACT Alliance Nepal Forum/LWF Nepal responded to the people affected by the April 25 earthquake soon after it rocked Nepal, causing casualty and damage to property. In course of supporting the affected people, LWF Nepal had sent a seven-member team to Sindhupalchok. They share their harrowing field experience; their journey to the target areas (Selang, Pantang, Gumda and Baramchi VDCs), the challenges they faced and the moment when the disaster struck: A second earthquake of 7.3 magnitude hit Nepal on May 12, 2015 while team was distributing relief materials there.
Yadhu Lal Shrestha (Team Leader) says, “At Jalbire, we were stopped by 5-6 local youths. They were riding at top speed alongside our vehicles and demanded we provide them with our relief materials. I negotiated that we went to a nearby police station to settle the matter. Upon reaching the station, we finally appeased the youth by giving them 50 bags of rice. Only then, did they let us go on with our journey. However, because of this delay, we reached Baramchi at midnight. We had no choice but to sleep in our vehicles. The next day we began with our distribution, and we were also assisted by VDC personnel along with representatives from political parties”.
He further said, “From Baramchi, we headed off to rest of our destinations, but at Sunkhola we came across a large crowd of about 1,000 people. We had to distribute some materials to them, and while doing so the crowd swelled in size. We spoke to a few people, and heard grief-stricken stories. A family had died in the recent earthquake, and an only surviving member had committed suicide later. Many youth had forsaken their villages and were not in touch with any of their family members. Mentally disturbed victims were also on the rise. It was terrible to hear such stories. After distribution, we could not go further due to poor road condition. Hence we returned to Baramchi again. And then the earth quaked.”
Anita Rana Magar, one of the drivers, shares, “15-20 people from Golchhe VDC stopped our vehicles, and demanded we gave them our relief materials. They were terribly angry that no organization had yet reached their VDC. They were threatened saying that they would throw our vehicle off the cliff. To stay unharmed I had to lie. I told them that were not representing any organization but were on our way to meet our relatives who had fallen prey to the earthquake. I had hastily opened my LWF jacket by then…”
Madhu Sunam shares, “I was most scared when the tremors shook everything around us. We were already distressed because we were harassed by some youths following our relief vehicle. Also,I had spoken to many community people who felt that looting was a faster way of getting relief; I found such attitude disturbing. And then, the second earthquake hit the area. The hills around us fell apart. I could feel myself wishing fervently for it to be over!Our team leader Yadhu Sir, however, was calm. In his calmness we found ways to be calm and stable as well and his wise words helped us to pacify the panic around us.”
“Before the earthquake, the situation was already intensely challenging. I remember returning to our Army camp at 1 am. I had to take some cooked food wrapped in plastic to our truck drivers and helpers who were stranded near Kartike VDC as they had been unable to move forward due to roads obstructed by landslides. Little did I know that in a couple of hours, we would be facing another hurdle in our emergency relief operation…” remembers Arjun Acharya, LWF driver.
Hukum Bahadur Sarki reminisces, “I was not in Kathmandu during the first earthquake. But in Sindhupalchok, I got a first-hand experience and it was terrifying. I thought this might be my last breath. Moreover, I was near our truck of relief materials, and I really felt that at that moment the truck would fall over me!”
Padam Sapkota says “We, the second team, had just finished distribution as well when we heard a deafening blast. The ground beneath us shook with such a force that I felt terrified.We would be engulfed by the hills around us. I saw boulders falling, ground cracking open and dust swirling around us…and my thoughts immediately went to my family. None had mobile connection at that moment, and I was afraid and turned restless.”
And Jit Bahadur Shrees expresses, “I too, was glued to my spot. I could not move when the earthquake occurred because I was numb and shocked. More than dying, I was terrified that I would be hit by a boulder or be buried.”
When the tremor subsided, the team felt an immense sense of gratitude that they had survived the ordeal together.
“We feel proud and satisfied, that we managed to come through this as a team. My desire to contribute to the good of humanity has increased tenfold. When I saw the affected people, I realized even the smallest of good deeds make a big difference in their lives. LWF-Nepal should now think of monitoring the post-earthquakesituation at Sindhupalchok. Psychosocial counseling is a must”, shares Hukum.
“When the earth shook, my daughter could contact her father within a few hours, but she was unable to reach me. After my return home, when my husband shared this with me, it made me feel really bad…” Madhu reminisces with tears in her eyes. “However, I am happy to contribute to Emergency Program. Although a lot of relief materials are being sent to Sindhupalchok, our materials stood out because community people really appreciated our hygiene kits. Post-earthquake, I feel we can take livelihood, capacity-building programs to our target areas because there are many locals who want to rebuild their lives, but they lack the know-how to do so. We should consider this seriously.”
“After returning home, I found my ten-year old son rather slow in forgiving my wife and me for leaving him alone in our rented apartment during the earthquake. I had to explain repeatedly that now the frequency of earthquake would be fewer and the magnitude milder, and we would not leave him to our relatives again. While leaving for work in the morning, he told me to come home soon. It has been a trying time for all of us in the country,” says Padam, while Jit Bahadur nods in acquiescence.
“Although the team suffered a lot, putting aside our challenging experience, we must not forget the ordeals of the people of Sindhupalchok. They have a strong sense of hope and unity, and coupled with capacity and psychosocial development programs, will help them to successfully rebuild their lives. In that, I have faith…,” with a wry smile concludes Yadhu Lal Shrestha.
