Aid gets to devastated village in Nepal

Andreas Zinggl reports on relief distribution to Chautara, Sindhupalchowk by Salesian Don Bosco, funded by Caritas Austria.

90 percent of Chautara in Sindhupalchowk in Nepal have been destroyed. Credit: Caritas Austria

90 percent of Chautara in Sindhupalchowk in Nepal have been destroyed. Credit: Caritas Austria

Angry voices, interrupted by loud shouts can be heard in front of the District Office. Men – both young and old – are gathered outside, after walking long distances.

They have come to draw attention to the plight of their remote villages. They tell of human beings still trapped in rubble. They bring with them handwritten notes, on which the extent of the destruction is documented.

They are trying to organise help, but without success. The authorising officer at the District Office is not at his desk. Perhaps he is out assessing the situation or perhaps he is afraid of the angry crowd.

Arriving at the village; the “village” is no longer there – all that remains is rubble. It is estimated that 90 percent of the houses are totally destroyed. The people are mourning the dozens of casualties. Those who survived have spent nights out in the open, bearing the rain. The food supplies are exhausted. The relief goods are arriving just in time.

20 year old Gyanendra has lost relatives and his mother is injured. Credit: Caritas Austria

20 year old Gyanendra has lost relatives and his mother is injured. Credit: Caritas Austria

20 year old Gyanendra is ready to help with the distribution. He personally experienced the earthquake in the capital Kathmandu, where he studies management. After a long two days, news from his father reached him. His little brother died under the rubble. So did his grandmother and his aunt. His mother is seriously injured and has been taken to hospital.

Since returning to his village, he has been continuously searching with his bare hands for useful household items in the rubble.

When asked about what has changed for his life now? “Very much,” he says. From now on, he wants to help as many people as possible who are in the same terrible situation. “Like Caritas,” he adds.

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