News

Almost coming to the near end of three weeks of the disaster, situation is not under control yet. Rescue and relief efforts are still going on and seem likely to continue at least for few more days. With no sign of the whereabouts of the lost US aircraft and danger signals of more landslides to occur in the hilly regions, we need to stay alert and have our disaster preparedness plan ready especially with the monsoon season approaching. Major highlights of the today’s media coverage:

Landslides – An Emerging Threat

Himal Khabarpatrika reports that in the 14 affected districts, 3000 floods have already occurred, some of them are very threatening which could cause damage to more lives and properties. According to an initial report by ICIMOD, six major rivers have been blocked due to the earthquake. Under the leadership of ICIMOD, a task force has been formed with the representatives from Government of Nepal, NASA, USGS and scientists from European and Chinese research agencies to do a thorough study on landslides occurring in Nepal post the earthquake. Online Khabar also reports that various highways have been blocked due to the landslides.

Government Actions Heat Up

As a reaction to criticisms from all corners regarding ineffective management of relief aid campaigns, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has warned of strict action against those creating hurdles in relief distribution by being involved in irregularities and discrimination in the distribution of relief meant for the earthquake victims. Setopati also reports that the parliamentary committee is set to monitor the destruction and relief activities ongoing in the 14 most affected districts. Probably this initiation has also been triggered as a response to key ministries being compelled to be operated under the open skies. As a precaution and necessity felt to develop a rigid urban construction plan, government has also put a two month ban on house design approvals barring any new building construction to take place in the coming two months. The government team is also demolishing quake damaged buildings in Kathmandu and Lalipur districts, The Kathmandu Post reports.

Supporting government’s initiation, an op-ed article in The Kathmandu Post draws views that government’s initiatives would be more cost effective and accountable than the interventions of NGOs and INGOs. Nepali Times also recommends government to begin planning for long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction by conducting a thorough assessment of damage with the support of foreign expertise. An integrated coordination with line ministries, development partners, and donors is also required to execute the plan. The article also recommends on ‘cutting through reams of bureaucratic red tape’ as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Reactions

Rumours and fake news regarding aftershock predictions have also added to the trauma for the earthquake victims. This has sparked serious criticism in public circles. An individual on Twitter writes, “If you are predicting earthquakes, please keep your knowledge to yourself and spare us.” A good initiation has been made with regards to banning the fake websitesthrough an online fake site reporting mechanism by filling up a google doc form. It is a hard time for all Nepalis and therefore another individual on Twitter writes, “Darwin theory applies here. It is a struggle for existence.” An interesting report is posted on Wired regarding how through informal channels and circles, effective rescue and relief operations have been carried out through motivated youth. The report claims that some ‘lifesavers’ have ‘hacked’ Nepal’s ineffective aid system and saved lives. The New York Times has also expressed its concern over education system being severely affected due to the earthquake as most of the school buildings have been destroyed and need more time to reopen thus affecting the delay in teaching and learning at the start of the school curriculum period. Some villages are completely destroyed and the survivors do not want to stay in those places out of terror and loss of hope, the Guardian reports. In this dire situation, migrants working overseas also have started to come back returning to help rebuild lives and homes, Nepali Times reports. The Indian media is still in a state of shock with its negative portrayal as Times of Indiareflects on how India made a ‘foe out of a friend’ due to its media reporting on earthquake stories.

Limping and Crawling Back

Republica reports that life is slowly crawling back to normal in Barpak – the epicenter of the earthquake and Kathmandu – the centre stage of all national decisions. With the decline in number and magnitude of aftershocks, hope for a better tomorrow sparks the spirits of all Nepali survivors.