@rahulkanwal >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mind games
With Modi government going all out to help Nepal, India's friends in the neighbourhood are feeling left out. China and Pakistan, it is believed, have complained to the Nepalese government that the Modi sarkar is more interested in self-promotion than in genuinely helping. Reporters accompanying Indian relief helicopter missions were cited as an example of Indian aggrandisement. Much to the dismay of Indian media, the Nepali government since has barred journalists from accompanying relief helicopters. The concerned Army and Air Force officers tried to explain that they were willing to carry Nepali, Pakistani and Chinese journalists so that the world could gauge how bad the situation actually was. After a 24-hour deadlock, better sense prevailed and now even international journalists are accompanying Indian Air Force's rescue helicopters to far-flung areas of the quake ravaged country.
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One of the toughest things to do after an earthquake is to sleep well at night. That's because tremors start messing with your mind. Often, at night, you wake up with a start when you feel the floor shake violently. After that, you are subconsciously looking out for the next temblor. When you stretch your body, you feel a tremor only to realise that it's your mind that is quaking. And sometimes you feel nothing, but then see those around you rushing out of the building for safety. That's when you decide it's safest to stay awake.
Tourists turn into relief workers
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Several foreign tourists fled Kathmandu in the first 48 hours after the quake. Many have also chosen to stay back to help with the relief efforts. What were earlier trekking expeditions have now turned into humanitarian missions with hundreds of tourists signing up as volunteers with international and local NGOs. I asked Rick Altos from the United States whether he was scared he may get caught in another quake. His reply: "Honestly, I'm more scared of being run over by the unruly traffic in Kathmandu."
Treasure hunters strike
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The UNESCO World Heritage site of Durbar Square in Kathmandu has been reduced to rubble. Buried in debris are beautiful statues and intricate wood carvings of ancient temples, which are worth a fortune at auctions in the West. At a time when the Nepalese army and the police are busy with rescue and relief operations, thieves are having a field day foraging through the ruins. Locals have managed to catch a gang of thieves in the act, while security has since been tightened in the area. Given the increasing law and order problems across the country, it is impossible for the police to guard the debris 24x7. Many of Nepal's ancient treasures could be lost forever.
Route aid through government channels
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Many people have been arrested and moved by the images of devastation beaming on their television screens, and call to ask how they can help. The most effective way to help Nepal is to route whatever relief material you wish to send through government agencies. The government in Nepal has asked all private NGOs to stay away. All help is being distributed by the Nepal army. The problem with private aid is that most of the NGOs end up going only to those towns and villages that are easily accessible to them. This leads to the duplication of effort at some places and no help reaching those who need it the most, at other sites. At a time when anger and frustration are growing among quake victims, it is not safe to try and distribute aid privately. This reporter saw hungry and thirsty quake victims loot a private relief truck. The government may be slow and inefficient, but it is still your best bet for a good cause at this time.
India versus China and Pakistan
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What are you doing on a rescue sortie?
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