Rescue work has resumed once again in Nepal as the country suffered yet another major earthquake. On Tuesday May 12, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Kodari, 47 miles east of Katmandu, and outside the Everest region of Namche Bazaar. Then 30 minutes later, a second tremor of 6.3 magnitude hit the town of Ramechhap. Since then, there have been 19 recorded aftershocks ranging from 4.0M to 5.2M, spreading panic and terror across the nation. The death toll of this second quake has already crossed 75, with more than 2,000 injured; and there is fear both these figures will rise.
A second earthquake of 7.3M hits Nepal, spreading panic and distress throughout the nation
When the second earthquake struck, our RF staff, Niroj Shreshta, was at the ASC center working on the plans for reconstruction for damaged houses in Pharping and surrounding community. The team were just monitoring the status of the school’s old buildings when the powerful quake shook them. “It was really scary that we had to experience this again.” Mr. Shreshta said, “So far we have not had any bad news regarding damages, but we will need to do field visits to get accurate information. I think our team will need some time to recover, but we will do our best to look after our scholars and the community”
The trauma and emotional stress of the second quake has caused constant panic amongst the survivors. “It was horrible. We were just starting to get our lives back on track after the last earthquake and it happened again,“ says Prakriti Nepal, RF Community Outreach Lead, “People are terrified! We need to bring everyone together and provide them with mental and emotional support.” Many who survived the first earthquake have had to see their houses crumble after the second quake, leaving them homeless and disheartened.
This is the current living situation of one of RF scholar Smriti. With the second earthquake hitting Nepal – many more families will be in similar situation.
The country hadn’t even begun to recuperate from the 7.8 M earthquake that devastated the nation last month and people are once again having to relive their worst nightmare. Buildings were destroyed throughout the country, as village’s residents fled within minutes of the quake in fear its remaining old brick houses would collapse. Many are sleeping out in the open again because they are scared their already weakened home won’t withstand the second round of powerful aftershocks. It seems like surviving once was not enough, the strength and resilience of Nepali people is being tested once again.
RF Scholar Sonika’s mother cooks at a common tent area, where many families who have lost their homes in the previous earthquake have come together. With the second earthquake further destroying homes and hampering reconstruction progress, many more families will be joining these common tent areas.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
To support our scholars and their communities, you can give to: Rukmini Foundation Earthquake Relief Fund
The money you donate will go towards providing families who have become homeless with the goods they need to survive. Rukmini Foundation’s relief package contains essential items such as foam mattress, food, water, glucose water, water cleaning solution, hygiene items, and utensils that should sustain them for a month. We are also looking into temporary residence options for families who have lost their homes so that they won’t have to suffer as monsoon season approaches.
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