For a few seconds the ground shook. Only a few seconds but for those who had experienced an earthquake just over two weeks ago it felt like an eternity.
The damage caused by the second earthquake to hit Nepal in as many weeks has caused further widespread damage to a country already struggling to cope with the aftermath of the worst natural disaster to hit the country in over 80 years, with tens more reported killed and thousands made homeless.
We are hugely relieved to report that despite the temporary communications breakdown we were able to hear from our volunteers on the ground, who were all scared but safe.
In addition to the physical dangers, the mental damage and trauma experienced by the locals was evident. “All around me people were screaming, crying and trying to escape” said Tamar Dressler, a journalist and member of the second delegation sent by Natan to Nepal, who was in a mountain village when the earthquake hit. “One woman was sure she was going to die… And all I had to comfort her with was a bottle of water”.
The second earthquake has meant the needs of the local communities are even more pressing. Our medical team are still out in the villages, providing medical aid to an ever growing number of casualties, but more aid is desperately needed.
“Despite the chaos, the locals were comforted by the fact that we weren’t going to leave. That despite the dangerous and difficult circumstances we were going to stay and help in whatever way we can”, said Dressler.
Our thoughts are with our teams in the field and of course the people of Nepal who are experiencing their second major earthquake in less than three weeks. Stay safe!
For full updates on Natan’s relief work in Nepal, follow the Natan blog.
