Earthquake aftermath and ways to move forward.

Mother Nature can be destructive.

Nepal is dealing with a catastrophic damage after the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Thousands of people died and millions are now homeless. Nepali officials fear the death toll may rise above 10,000. Thousands of homes and buildings, including historical landmarks, in Kathmandu have been leveled up. 

My experience

We and the government were not prepared to deal with such massive earthquake although seismologists had predicted that it was coming. It was just a matter of time. When earthquake did hit, it hit really hard. 

It was a "near to death experience" for me. It lasted for less than a minute but it was the longest minute of my life. I knew I had to find a safe place but I could barely stand on my feet. It was so strong. And hundreds of aftershocks in just nine days is something I will never forget in my life.

I am glad I survived. But it is heartbreaking to see dead bodies. Many people are homeless. Many historical buildings, temples and towers are no more. The damaged done by the earthquake is irreplaceable. 

Unity

It feels good to see the unity among Nepali citizens at the time of fading nationalism. Local organizations and individuals who managed to survive the devastating earthquake are doing everything to help the victims. The youths in particular, have taken the matters in their own hands to distribute food aids for the needy. Also, the bravery shown by our army and police personnel is admirable. 

Social media

I never knew the power of social media exactly until now. Facebook, to be more specific, has been instrumental in organizing rescue and relief programs.

Cost of reconstruction

We experienced so much in the last week and now I wish it was a nightmare. But the reality is that the damage has been done by the deadly earthquake and it is the time to rebuild our nation. 

The cost of reconstruction in earthquake-damaged could be as high as $5 billion, according to IHS, a U.S.-based consultancy group. This figure would account for nearly 20 percent of the impoverished nation’s GDP.

Overwhelming aid

Individuals, organizations and countries from all around the globe have shown generosity to help Nepal. Countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bhutan, Australia, Canada, the UK, the US, Israel, France, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan have sent rescue team. They have started working here. 

Similarly, many countries have contributed funds intended to provide for emergency supplies and help sustain local rescue efforts.

Actors, businessmen, social activist, general public are raising funds within and outside the nation.

Controversy

International aid donors expressed alarm after the Nepal government warned that all donations to help its earthquake victims much be made to its Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. According to Nepal government, “No individual or organization will be allowed to withdraw such relief funds. The funds will be automatically transferred to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The details of receipts and expenditures will be circulated on a daily basis. Individuals or organizations not complying with this provision will be punishable by law".

On the contrary the donor agencies are not happy with the government decisions. According to them, “the government does not have the capability to run this, that's the reality."

The way forward

Many countries have bounced back after the major disaster. We have to learn the lesson from these countries and move forward.

At the same time, the momentum that general public has shown to rebuild the nation has to be utilized properly. This is the first time I have ever seen the unity among the Nepali people not only inside the country but throughout world. This momentum should not be stopped.

Below are the approaches that I propose how we can effectively rebuild our nation.

Short term

The UN estimates that eight millions needs urgent help. Food, temporary shelter, clothes, blankets, medical supplies and water purifiers have to be dispatched needed in affected area immediately.

This is where individuals like me can contribute. Contributing, collecting and distributing relief materials are the utmost requirement. , I must say the general public has shown tremendous effort to support victims. This is the time for every Nepali people to help the victims.

Medium Term

One of the major drawbacks for the development of the country is its sparsely distributed population. It is very expensive to build infrastructure in every hills. With deep sympathy to those people who have suffered from this disaster, the time has come to create smart communities.

More than 80 percent of homes in affected districts like Sindhulpalchok, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Dhading and Dolkha are completely ruined. The houses have to be rebuild. We do not have any other options. However, a different strategy should be adopted while reconstructing our communities.  Building a concentrated community within these districts through prefab housing is the long term solution. Concentrated community will have fewer burdens in infrastructure development in the long run.

Prefab housing is not new in Nepal. Above picture is from a hydropower project site which I visited few months back.

 

Long Term.

There are numerous ways how we can construct prosperous Nepal but my main focus in this post is INGOs and NGOs and the way they are mobilizing their funds.

Any development work without self sustainability is useless. I do not have any data regarding the number of INGOs and NGOs operating in Nepal. But I can say that there are plenty of such organizations serving several causes. Some may have been successful and some may not.

I remember coming across with an INGO which is established to provide free education for deprived children. This is a noble cause without any doubt but the number of students actually funded by the organization is less than 10 whereas the total number of employees is more than 10. People can argue that at least few deprived children are supported by this organization which is fair enough.

I am not in position to comment whether it is effective or not. Instead, I urge to channelize the INGOs fund in investment of guaranteed income generating businesses such as hydropower development. Instead of mobilizing the fund directly, donor can invest in such income generating businesses and reinvest in what they are doing now from the profits.

It is long procedures because of the long gestation period but I think it is a sustainable way in the long run.