National
Victims return to damaged homes
Lal Bahadur Rana of Sahalkot-9 in Palpa district had his house completely damaged in the April 25 earthquake. He was left with no option than to move to temporary shelters that were built for earthquake survivors like him.Madhav Aryal
Lal Bahadur Rana of Sahalkot-9 in Palpa district had his house completely damaged in the April 25 earthquake. He was left with no option than to move to temporary shelters that were built for earthquake survivors like him. The blazing sun and pouring rains that beat down on his
flimsy structures now have made his temporary abode uninhabitable, offering no protection from the biting cold. And in a desperate move, Lal Bahadur repaired his damaged house and has moved there.
Quake victims of Sahalkot, Galdha and Jalpa including other villages in the district share the similar plight.
“Our neighbours helped us to remove the debris from quake-affected house. Now we have a built a single-storey structure,” said Lal Bahadur, adding that it is simply impossible to live in tents as temperatures drop to near freezing, especially in the night.
The earthquake victims are facing difficulties in saving grains, clothes and other belongings in the temporary shelters.
Another local Lal Bahadur Maski Rana Magar also has reconstructed his quake-destroyed house. “The villagers helped us to repair our house,” he said.
Victim Imansingh Rana of Sukekot said they have reconstructed a single-storey building using wood, stones and zinc sheets retrieved from their damaged houses.
“We endured monsoon rains, but it is not possible to live in temporary shelters in this cold,” said Imansingh, adding that their long wait for government succour has gone in vain.
Quake survivors of Dandabasti have also started repairing their quake-ravaged houses. “We don’t know when government will provide money to construct houses,” said Maski Rana.
The earthquake had destroyed 20,000 houses in the district.
Quake affected families facing hardships
At least 20 quake survivors belonging to five families have been living in one hut at Sahalkot-9 in Palpa. Majority of quake survivors here do not have money to repair their quake-damaged houses. Children, the elderly and women are suffering from cold-related ailments.