News

It seems there is no respite for residents of Nepal with a second major earthquake of 7.3 magnitude hitting Nepal with the epicenter about 83 km east from Kathmandu, directly affecting almost half of the districts (32 out of 75) and taking lives of almost 70 people. US Geological Survey reports that yesterday’s quake was followed by 17 major aftershocks. There have also been landslides in some parts which raises more caution. With the tension building and people in traumatic situation, the media coverage of May 13 about the earthquake is highlighted below:

More International Support

With the second major hit, foreign aid to Nepal has been increasing. Open Nepal mentions that USD 595,806,559 relief aid has been pledged for the earthquake with USD 546, 136, 719 internationally and USD 546,136,719 nationally. Auto Car Pro claims that Hyundai Motor Company is also donating USD 300,000 (Rs 1.89 crore) for humanitarian relief and rebuilding projects while Nissan Motor Co has donated 10 million yen (Rs 50 lakh) to the World Food Programme, which is aiding rescue efforts by providing food for the people in the affected areas in Nepal.

Fund for NGOs has also listed donors and other international agencies providing relief and other services in Nepal namely: We Help Nepal, Canadian Red Cross, Concern Worldwide, Association for International Solidarity in Asia, Medair, ADRA Nepal, World Food Programme, World Vision, Goal Global, Heart to Heart International, Lutheran World Relief, HelpAge USA, AmeriCares, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Direct Relief, Global Giving, International Relief Teams, UNICEF, Operation USA, Save the Children, Seva Foundation, World Help, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Oxfam and Handicap International.

Minister for Health and Population, Mr. Khagaraj Adhikari has requested international medical teams to extend their period of stay. The government has classified the international medical teams into three categories: type 1, 2 and 3. Type 1 for basic health services, type 2 for more intensive hospital care and type 3 - best equipped teams, who can provide continued care for at least a couple of months.

Rescue and Relief Efforts – A Challenging Task

USGS states that although aftershocks may occur less often, people should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks in the coming weeks and months, especially when working in or around vulnerable structures or in landslide-prone areas. There is also news about landslides followed by earthquake creating roadblocks and hampering relief efforts. A US Marine Helicopter used during aid mission has also gone missing and there are no reports of its whereabouts yet as reported by The Hindustan Times. Annapurna Post reports that the lost helicopter is being searched in Tamakoshi River.

As a response to MoHP’s disaster and emergency situation, Swasthya Khabar reports that the ministry has listed 25 government hospitals as ‘central hub’ hospitals. Mappers globally have also started to work on identifying the landslide risk prone areas for prior preparation for controlling further damage.

In light of addressing difficult rescue and relief operations of the earthquake, OSOCC Emergency Cell has listed five major priorities for humanitarian intervention:

·         Information

·         Search and Rescue

·         Access to Cut Off Areas

·         Shelter: tents and tarpaulins

·         Food Delivery to newly displaced people

Reactions

As a reaction against ‘inappropriate’ legal provisions regarding the right of the disaster victims, a writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court. A lot of rumours are being spread through online media and social media sites regarding predictions of the next aftershock which has created a lot of fear and havoc in the public. Nepal Police, through its Twitter account has officially requested the public not to believe upon such rumours and making it viral. National Students' Union - Student Wing of Nepali Congress has established a fund to collect money worth a cup of tea from each of its members to reconstruct schools, Pahilo Post reports. The Union has also planned to sponsor education of 1000 children who have lost their parents. Stephen Mikesell, in today’s edition of The Kathmandu Post views that lack of maintenance, use of cement and lack of knowledge are three major problems for destruction of buildings due to the earthquake.

After the news that tents are being distributed to Constituent Assembly members meant to be distributed the earthquake affected, it received wide criticism from all corners. As an immediate step, Constituent Assembly chairperson Mr. Subash Chandra Nembang instructed the assembly to halt the tent distribution. Annapurna Post reports. Meanwhile, UCPN (Maoist) party had decided to provide the received tents to the people affected from second earthquake in Dolakha.

Economic Impact

CNN Money states that the second earthquake in Nepal could add to $1 billion to the total cost of rebuilding the country; which would push the total cost of repairs to more than $6 billion; equivalent to 30% of Nepal's economic output. The Economic Times in light of loss of property due to damage of buildings in the earthquake; provides tips on ways of protecting our assets from natural disasters such as insuring our properties.

Some Smiles amidst Cries

Interestingly, Liberian women are also keen to help Nepal after fighting Ebola which is a great gesture of support from the African nation. A success story of disaster preparedness has been shared by Asian Development Bank regarding the government school buildings supported by them with earthquake proof technology not being affected by the earthquake. UNFPA set up women friendly spaces to the affected 14 districts. UNICEF has also provided support to 4500 children experiencing profound stress as a result of their experiences during Nepal Earthquake. A great source of inspiration have been the younger generation taking active initiation in relief programmes going to high risk places and providing relief aids.