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| A fine view of the Himalayas from Begnas |
Returning to Kathmandu after a year's absence I had some idea of what I might see in terms of the April 25 earthquake damage and its affect on the people in the valley. Yes, there are some houses that fell down and some historic temples fell apart. The top of the Boudhanath Stupa was damaged so it was taken down leaving a bare top and stacks of brick ready for repairs.
However, for the most part large buildings and some the temples are still standing, perhaps supported by braces, a few pockets where loose brick buildings collapsed. Other than some minor damages here and there, the city appears fairly normal. However, things are not normal...
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| Boudhanath Stupa reconstruction |
The real issues in Nepal right now are severe shortages due to a blockade at the Indian border by a minority Madhes group not happy with the new constitution. Fuel, food and medicines are in short supply deepening the hardship on the Nepali people. Winter is coming!
Long lines of people waiting for days for petrol and diesel for vehicles and motorbikes, waiting for half a tank of LPG gas for cooking. Now in the streets of Kathmandu and all rural areas Nepali's are using whatever available wood for cooking - scraps, tree branches and some wood distributed by some government agencies. This has caused a smoke haze all across Nepal. Flying above the haze, the Himalayas are visible, but not so at ground level.
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| Protest rally in Kathmandu |
On Friday, November 20 I was drawn into a protest rally in Lazimpat, an area just north of central Kathmandu. This was similar to rallies across Nepal. The government is doing nothing to alleviate the blockade and is still, unbelievably, holding about 4 Billion US for reconstruction. Not a rupee has been put to use to help the people. Shameful. It has been NGO's from around the world that are acting and putting efforts into reconstruction in rural areas. The devastated Langtang valley has a well organized reconstruction committee to begin efforts to rebuild where they can and the trail has reopened for trekking. Most trekkers are safely camping as many lodges are still not repaired.
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| A few cracks in some old buildings and reinforcement |
I just thought I would share my recent experience and hope that the blockade is removed soon with the help of the Indian government (currently NOT helping) and that reconstruction of damaged villages and homes can begin as soon as possible.
Feel free to email me if you need information on current conditions or need to connect with a travel agent or guides in Nepal. (nhaggard@telus.net)
