#earthquakeresponse

The catastrophic Earthquake at Nepal on 25th April 2015 has shaken the entire nation. The earthquake whose  epicenter lay in Barpak village of Gorkha district (approximately 34 km (21 mi) east-southeast of Lamjung, Nepal) has made an indelible impact in people’s minds. The aftershock of this quake continues on the seventh day even. These natural disasters are inevitable. The nation has lost something that are just priceless, in terms of lives and property. Some has lost their entire family, some lost their parents and some lost their children. People are compelled to survive under the open skies, without proper food, lacking good sanitation or lets say they are bound to compromise on their basic needs. There are still several places where the rescue team or the relief materials are yet to reach. Several days passed but people still are residing out of their house. And above all this, the aftershocks have just made socio-psychological impact on the people. This situation is something none of us, even the international bodies, have ever thought. The loss of live and the damage in property has took us far behind in terms of economy and thinking. Unfortunately, we have lost our world heritage enlisted sites and several others that are a part of our glory, and of course represents our pride and national integrity too.

But to some extent, we knew this was to occur. Several surveys already indicated that Nepal is at a high risk seismic zone. Many times, the research carried out by international and related authorities reported that we need to strongly follow guidelines, take measures while constructing our houses that we need to prepare for such devastating disaster. Had we taken the precaution and turned our ears to those researches, the scenario could have been something different. We have mostly suffered due to ill-managed residential areas and lack of proper disaster management. We as well the Government were not serious on these issues and several other issues related to natural disaster. We are in such a pity condition where we even don’t know how to save our life during these conditions. It’s all the ultimate result of our negligence. People from all walks of life and of all age groups have more suffered mentally. A feeling of terror has filled the minds of millions of people. Children, especially, have been most affected mentally. They are under a great distress and dismay.

Of course, the consequences of the disastrous earthquake are far way beyond us. But it doesn't mean we can’t recover. Yeah, it’s hard but still not impossible. “The Rome wasn't built in a day.” Even Japan was hit by a massive earthquake of 9.0 on the Richter scale. Hundreds of aftershocks, dozens of magnitude 6.0 or greater and two of magnitude 7.0 or greater, followed in the days and weeks after the main quake. Several times Japan has suffered artificial disasters. The people there are still suffering due to atom bombs dropped on Japan. Japan has suffered a lot due to the disaster, but to a surprise to entire world, Japan bounced back. Japanese people jointly along with Government put their all efforts to rebuild their nation and succeed. Today, Japan is one of the developed country. They have developed incredibly in the field of economy, science and technology and have shown their charisma. After the Japan Earthquake, once the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said, “Our goal is not simply to reconstruct the Japan that existed before March 11, 2011, but to build a new Japan.” And they later did succeed.

This shows the importance of a strong commitment of dedicated leadership in such circumstances. We need to learn from our past; from our mistakes that lead such devastation. We must reconstruct our damaged property keeping in mind the standards mentioned by the international agencies. People must understand the cost to build an earthquake proof buildings doesn't cost a lot. The Government and people have these information must advocate for this. Moreover, individual effort is very necessary to rebuild a nation. Hence, it’s very essential that a victim of this earthquake come out of trauma as soon as possible. The neighbors and the victim’s family play a significant role in these conditions. They should try to make the victim feel better so that every citizen can get out of this terrible calamities and play role for rebuilding the nation. The government too acts a vital role in this regard. The government must be well prepared for such disaster. Youths and the citizen must be facilitated disaster management skills. They should put efforts to build model residential areas. It should ensure that the relief materials and other basic needs of the victim are fulfilled in time. Not only that, we all must support the victims and nation as well from our individual places. Only then, a citizen of the nation can contribute for the nation. Indeed, it is a time consuming process but it certainly will ensure the development of Nepal.

       The above example of Japan proves that even the developed and well prepared countries are not immune from the catastrophic disasters. People may persist to experience the sounds, smells, sensations and inner feelings that prompt them, even after several years. These feelings can bring out anguishing images, thoughts and emotional and physical reactions. People can come out of this trauma once they keep busy themselves in their routine lifestyle. We must assist them to abandon fatal memories, and keeping them away from any such distressful happening. Children must not be left alone during these situations. They might get frightened or scared if left alone. So, parents must take care of their children properly, must engage them in some groups and any other activities they enjoy to do. Parents can show the child the news being telecast on news channel so that the myths developed in their minds can be eradicated. They must watch the positive news about the natural calamities. Apart from these, the other victims must not be left to watch the visual content that are very disturbing. If anyone is suffering from severe mental problem, must be treated by experts. The surrounding environment must be  humble, easygoing and humorous around them.

        All these efforts are very crucial for a nation like us, which is on the way to a new destination. When each and every individual is ready to contribute, a country develops at a high rate. It’s not the responsibility of the Government alone or the citizens alone, both must unite to build a nation with new hopes and aspiration. We need to develop physically and mentally. Genuine efforts have to be put forth so that we can rebuild our nation. We have a glorious and brave history. We have great endeavors provided by our ancestors and we will continue. It's high time, we need to encourage ourselves. “There could be sunshine after rain, there could be laughter after pain”. With this all time motivational lines from a song, I would like to again appeal from the very bottom of my heart before i sum up this article, “We Shall Overcome”.

Ankit Das , Nepal

@ankydas0