It’s been over a year now since Nepal was hit by a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake which killed around 9,000 and injured more than 21,000 people. The earthquake left hundreds of thousands of people homeless and millions scarred for life.
What followed the disaster was something motivating and reflected the spirit of the Nepalese people. Groups of youths throughout the capital collected aid and delivered it to the affected areas. Groups liaised with local and international donors; they personally collected and hand delivered aid to villagers. The process was effective and took much less time than the government’s relief distribution program. People were driven and they went out of their way to help those in need. The usual differences in cast, religion and political views were overcome by the situation. Adversity brought people together.
People need a sense of belonging and connection with their society in order to move forward after a disaster.
Rebuilding is a long journey, it will require people to stick together as they did in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. People need a sense of belonging and connection to the society in order to move forward. A good example of this occurred in Christchurch – another earthquake devastated area – a creative urban regeneration initiative called Gap Filler involved everyday people in regenerating their own city through short-term and comparatively small-scale development projects.
When the Nepal earthquake struck, Fenwick Software and its staff were generous enough to raise funds and donate through the NRNA (Non Resident Nepali Association) Earthquake Disaster Relief & Support Campaign. Later this year I will visit my home town and I hope to see rebuilding works throughout the country, with people working for each other and their community. I wonder how I will react when I see the fallen temples and buildings where I once used to spend my time as a child.
It’s a shame that it takes a major disaster to bring out the best in human nature. But such occasions give us a reality check on what is really important in life.
If you are interested in donating to the Nepal Earthquake Victims you can do it here.
