“The people are crying everywhere” – On the ground in Nepal

Almost six days after the devastating earthquake in Nepal, we’re beginning to get our first “boots on the ground” reports from our team in the Dhading district.  Gopal Tamang, the Colorado Nepal Alliance’s Nepal Project Coordinator, was able to establish contact this morning. Here is his report and photos, edited for clarity:

Namaste every one. I am lucky to [be] alive. I was at home with a young [trekking client]. We are just 20km from earthquake center. All [of my] family are safe [but] I don’t [know] how many missing there.

The people are crying everywhere. I just [arrived] in Kathmandu with this boy. He also has been lucky [and is] safe with me. Nothing [is] there but I am happy to [be alive]. But now I don’t [know] where [to] go and take all [my] family. You can talk with this man [his client, contact info withheld -Ed] about what happened.

Thank you very much everyone who ever to remembering me and message me. Thanks. Maybe see you in future. Just hope. - Gopal Tamang

Information from the outlying districts that we’ve worked with in the past continues to be scarce. Satellite imagery showing the condition of rural villages between Kathmandu and the earthquake’s epicenter have been of limited use thus far due to heavy cloud cover and rain. (Colorado’s own DigitalGlobe has been at the forefront of this effort, managing to get three satellites over Nepal in the immediate aftermath of the quake!) Our team is working around the clock to reestablish communications with our contacts in rural Nepal, assessing the extent of the damage, and planning our long-term response. As always, our priority is taking care of our people on the ground so they can take care of others.

The efficacy of our organization is a function our strong personal relationships– both in Nepal, and all across the world. If you think you can help Gopal and other villagers in rural Nepal, please contact us, or make a donation to our disaster relief fund.

 

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