Nepal Continues to Struggle Post Earthquake

Months after the earthquake, we still see evidence of its destruction on our daily walks. With the end of the monsoons, rebuilding was expected to begin. However, this is currently impossible with the lack of fuel and other resources due to the continued blockade at the Nepal-India border. Even the World Food Programme, a branch of the United Nations, has been unable to overcome this obstacle. They were delivering food via helicopter to many of these affected villages but are now grounded due to the fuel shortages. Many families affected by the earthquake are living in tents or temporary homes made of tin, which provided adequate shelter during the rains but are not as suitable for the cold winter months.

Here are just a few pictures of the homes we pass walking around Kathmandu.

House destroyed on the left with temporary corrugated tin house on right.

Tent cities for earthquake victims remain scattered throughout Kathmandu.

Children playing in one of the tent cities where earthquake victims continue to be housed.

When leaving a research conference at the Hyatt this week, one of the nicest hotels in Kathmandu, these tent cities pictured above were visible from the walkway. While contemplating this disparity and in the midst of subsequent guilt and grief, I just wanted to get them all rooms at the hotel. Although it's not a sustainable solution, I wrestle with hard questions: what is the answer? And how do we get there, especially when the entire country is in survival mode and the rest of the world, and honestly even some of us in Nepal, have moved on from the earthquake? While I don't have answers, we need to continue to seek ways to practically help while living here alongside the people of Nepal. Please continue to pray for Nepal, an end to the blockade, and a renewed focus to rebuild and restore these communities affected by the earthquake.