Project Nepal
Some months ago Bryan Scott from Dunedin, one of my old climbing buddies called me and asked would I be keen on joining him on a mission to the earthquake affected regions of Nepal. On 25th April 2015, a massive earthquake hit Nepal. Over 9000 people were killed and 23,000 injured and hundreds of thousands made homeless. The epicentre was to the NW of Kathmandu.
I promptly agreed to join Bryan. We decided the best plan was to do a survey of the most remote affected villages that had received little or no help. I contacted an old friend, Bob McKerrow who was just about to leave for Nepal and he offered to help us. I recruited Govinda Sapkota, my old sirdar from my Tibet expedition in 2006. We left for Nepal on 13th November and set up our base at the Shanker Hotel in Kathmandu.
We arrived at a bad time in Nepal. In September a new constitution was promulgated and the Madeshi in the Terai objected to it and then blockaded the border with India. A sympathetic Indian government supported them. In addition they grid locked parliament so no laws could be enacted and delayed the formation of a Reconstruction Ministry. As most of Nepal’s food and fuel comes in from India, this led to rationing and massive inflation and stalled earthquake recovery. In addition my flights to Nepal via China were cancelled several times and I was shunted onto Malaysian Airlines flying via Kuala Lumpur.
Flying across the northern Indian plain I noticed terrible atmospheric pollution and indeed the smog had covered parts of Nepal. Tribuhuvan airport was a shambles and not a lot has changed there over the years. Once you accepted it was a shambles it was not too bad. We went straight to the Shanker hotel and crashed, as it was a long flight over with a lot of waiting in airports for flights.
The next day we met Bob McKerrow and Greg Bell for lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant. We discussed our mission and Bob gave us the heads up on the problems we faced. We decided to go to Shyaphru Besi and do a sweep of the Tamang Heritage region and then go up the Langtang Valley over the Ganja La and make our way down into Helambu and Sindhupalcwok. We went for a walk into Thamel with Govinda and bought some camping gas and a tent for the porters for the trip. Back at the Shanker Hotel we met Lisa Chogyal, the NZ Consul.
The following day we went with Govinda and got our TIMS permits and entry to the Langtang NP. Then it was back to Thamel to get a few more things. In the evening we had a meeting with Aruna Uprety of the Rural Health and Education Services Trust at the Annapurna Hotel.
On 17th November we got underway in a 4WD bound for the Trisuli valley. On the way we picked up our 2 porters, Sanjaya and Suresh. We reached Shyaphru Besi in the afternoon and checked into a local hotel. I noticed there was much air pollution presumably from India on the drive there. We were having dinner when there was an after shock. The hotel shook for an instant and then everyone bolted for the door, that is all except me. I calmly took my pulse, noting it to be around 60/m and strolled out into the dark to join the rest of the throng! There several collapsed houses in the village from a previous EQ.
Next day we headed up the hill to Rongga Bhanjyang, a few houses sitting on the ridge at 2100m where we stopped for lemon tea. There were good views towards the glaciated Ganesh Himal to the NW. Still the air was hazy from dust and the views not as clear as you would see in NZ. From here we descended to Goljung, a village of blue roofs in good condition and on to Chilime where we stopped for lunch. As there was no accommodation available we carried on to Gongang where we stopped for the night at another guesthouse. We had climbed 900m that day and I was feeling OK but Bryan not so, possibly related the big lunch he had earlier.
We had a pleasant night and next morning continued up to Tatopani, which translates as ‘Hot Springs’, a village at 2600m further along. It was a picturesque Tamang village with lots of colourful Tibetan prayer flags and surrounded by forest. However since the EQ the springs have stopped. Here we stropped for lemon tea. Directly behind the town was a steep spur covered in forest that ran up to the main ridge of the Kalotuppa Danda Ridge directly above. This was about 1000m high and I thought it would be fun to climb.
So we sent the porters to a place called Nagthali on the other side of the ridge while we set off up the spur. We climbed up through forest and higher up struck a track coming in from the right that sidled into woodland covered in fallen leaves and disappeared. At this juncture we climbed straight up into scrub and worked our way over to a spur. Here we decided to climb up through a gully between cliffs to reach a flat ridge crest above. The altitude was 3580m and we felt quite strong. From here an easy track headed down to Nagthali where we spent the night in a guesthouse. The views towards the Langtang Himal were outstanding.
On 20th we had porridge and coffee for breakfast and then walked up the hill to see the ruined gompa. It was a pleasant walk down to Thuman where there was quite a lot of earthquake damage. Bryan gave the local policeman a pile of pens for the local school, which was closed for holidays. Then we dropped off the hill and walked along the road back to Shyaphru Besi.
On 21st we again had porridge and coffee for breakfast. There were 3 Israeli girls staying at the guesthouse and one of them made a big fuss about her breakfast, which she did not like that was very embarrassing to everyone within earshot. The owner was very accommodating and made her another breakfast even though it was not his fault, as she did not like Nepali food! We set off across the bridge and started the big climb to Khanjin 2236m where we stopped for tea and biscuits. On we climbed through very pleasant forest to 2700m before gently dropping to Sherpagaon at 2550m to reach the ‘Super View”’ guesthouse. A Tamang man who had lost a leg in a climbing accident owned this and had it spotless.
On 22nd we carried on to Rimche where we stopped for a cup of lemon tea at a guesthouse that had been damaged in the EQ. The owner had been given 15,000 NPR (about $150 USD) by the government to help with the rebuild. He had used his own savings to pay for reconstruction. Further on was Lama Hotel, closed and badly damaged. Then we reached Ghodatabela at 3000m where we camped. There was an abandoned army barracks here and a few ruined houses. Everyone had fled.
Next morning we prepared breakfast of muesli, raisins and milk powder for our team followed by hot tea. Then off we went and reached some devastated villages where a few people were working. Ahead we could see the huge avalanche plain where Langtang village used to be. A vast scar on the mountainside showed where the massive avalanche had come off 7700m high Langtang Lirung. Between 300 and 350 people are thought to have died there including locals, porters and visiting trekkers. The earthquake struck at noon on 23rd April. The village was completely buried apart from 1 house in the shadow of the cliff at its base. All that remained was a vast rubble plain all the way to the river. On the opposite mountainside the windblast had levelled all the forest for up to 300m and for several kilometers down valley.
Out in the centre of the rubble near some Tibetan prayer flags we stopped and we held a short memorial service for those that perished here.
Nearby a helicopter was delivering sheets of corrugated iron and some iron huts had been constructed. We plodded on with heavy hearts. It was a sad place where a terrible tragedy had occurred just recently. Later that day we came to Kyanjin Gumba at 3830m. Here more devastation greeted us with many severely damaged houses. We were lucky to get shelter in the ‘Namaste Hotel’, one of only 2 open. There was neither electricity nor hot water as all these services had been destroyed. Pasang, the owner had a wood burner in the kitchen, the warmest place in the house. The top story has been destroyed so he knocked it off and put a roof on the bottom story.
We both slept well after the previous tiring day. It was sunny and I went off after breakfast and had a wash in a local creek. Then I held a clinic and saw a few people with medical problems, one who was seriously anaemic from bleeding who I advised to go to a hospital in Kathmandu. I gave him some money, as he was destitute. Bryan, Govinda and I toured the village and conducted interviews. Most people had left and there were maybe 50 people remaining to rebuild. Before the EQ the population was 200 in this village.
On 25th we decided we would climb Tserko Ri (5106m) as an acclimatisation trip in preparation for the Ganja La crossing. Off we set and after 2.5 kilometers, crossed the stream draining the valley between Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri and struck up a steep track towards the peak. We could see tiny prayer flags on the summit. The route led upwards over a series of bumps to a bouldery shoulder of the mountain. Bryan was fair striding it out and I followed in his wake slowly but doggedly stopping every 35-50 steps to catch my breath. Finally at noon we arrived on the spacious summit adorned with masses of colourful prayer flags. On the other side the slopes were grass and all around were spectacular views of ice peaks. We tried to pin point the Ganja La but this was not clear to us, as there has been so much glacial recession since the map was published. Nearby were some birds the size of ptarmigans that ran along the ground, ? Himalayan Pheasant. There were also flocks of a small grey bird the size of a thrush.
After leaving the summit we walked over a wide upland plain below the shrinking glacier on Tserko Peak intending on climbing Tserko Ri so we could do a circuit back to Kyanjin Gumba. Eventually we reached the prayer Flags on Kyanjin Ri only to find the ridge on the far side has collapsed into a gigantic precipice and there was no safe way to bypass this unstable ridge. We then backtracked to a bench on the far side of the creek we had crossed earlier and followed this down to our ascent track. We reached Kyanjin Gumba just on dark.
On 26th we conducted more interviews in Kyanjin Gumba. Some of these were harrowing to say the least. Then the next day we set off for Ganja La. This made sense, as we were now able to cross into Helambu without backtracking all the way to Shyaphru Besi and coming over Gosain Kund. Pasang gave us yellow Tibetan scarves and saw us off. We crossed the Langtang Khola on the bridge below the village and started a long haul up through forest and through a pass to a camping area at Ngengang at 4350m.
On 27th we were up at 5.00am and made breakfast of Muesli for the team before starting the steep climb on a snow-covered track to a hanging valley that ran into a narrow boulder strewn valley leading to the pass. The snow became knee deep and it was very tough for the porters with their heavy loads. I forged ahead and it became deep postholing among large boulders. Clearly we were lost and to add to our anxiety the sky clouded over and we feared it might snow. About 200m higher we could see tiny prayer flags on the pass above a steep rock cliff. We decided to retreat and just as we were moving down I spotted some stone cairns heading up a boulder slope to my left. I asked the team to stop while I checked it out and it transpired this was the correct route. Eventually we arrived at the final cliff and here we managed to help the porters climb the cliff. Govinda, Sanjaya and Suresh went into a frenzy of ‘selfies’. The altitude was 5130m.
On the far side a boulder track lead down onto a wide plain where there were a few lakes. We set up camp at 4900m on a mossy flat area. First we got the porters tent up and got them into it as we knew their feet were freezing. Then we got our tent up and dived in, as we were both exhausted and nauseas from the altitude. We took some Diamox as we were suffering from mild altitude sickness.
The next day dawned clear and sunny and as we did not have any water we set off down a boulder slope to the Yangri Khola where a glacial river ran. It was very beautiful as we cruised along the banks and slacked our thirst. Lower down we picked up a track that left the river and sidled the ridge heading south to some huts at Keldang. These are summer huts only and the shephards and animals had retreated to lower altitudes. Unfortunately, there was no water and Govinda wanted to carry on. So on we plod to Dhukpa, up and down across side valleys staying at around 4000m all day. Above Dhukpa at 4280m I called a halt and said we would have to melt snow for dinner, as there were no streams anywhere. We cooked up 4 Backcountry Cuisine meals, rice and hot drinks so the troops seemed happy enough without their usual Dal Bhat!
We had a comfortable camp on the mountainside and were greeted by a spectacular sunrise. From here we descended into a side valley and then a rise to a pass where the ridge system finally took a big plunge downwards to a forested ridge. Ahead was Yangri Peak 3800m that we had to cross before finally dropping to Tarkeghyang at 2600m. Everyone was parched till I heard a sound of falling water in the forest and found a spring gushing cool water. Tarkeghyang looked pretty from high above with lots of Tibetan flags flying but on closer inspection it was utterly destroyed. We stayed at a guesthouse on the outskirts. Here we met 2 amazing American women, Meg and Cari Petersen from Puget Sound. Mel was 87 and as bright as a button and Cari was her daughter. Meg has written a book called “off the Beaten Track” on her journeys in Africa and Asia. Later they set off and climbed Yangri Peak.
Next day we went for a walk through the ruins of Tarkeghyang. The village had been built around a monastery or gompa, stone buildings separated by narrow alleyways and literally shook to pieces in the earthquake. There were piles of stones and wooden beams. Some people were carrying corrugated iron sheets and wooden beams but it all looked very haphazard. We met one young woman carrying a child on her back who told us a most harrowing story about how most of her family including her brother and his children had perished in the Langtang and how a surviving relative had built a wooden hut above the village for her. On the day of the earthquake she was in a bus with her child, when it rocked violently and then toppled over. She ran for her life. When she came back to the village it was destroyed and all the people were crying and very distressed. As she told us this tears ran down her face and she addressed us as ‘brother’. I just about cried myself just interviewing her.
Above the village we inspected the remains of the Tarkeghyang School. A little down the valley the children now study in a large tent donated by the Canadian government. The teacher was Toya Gautam and we interviewed him in the evening. We said we would buy 20 school bags and copybooks for the school. The Swiss aid charity Caritas are to build a new school for them. The following day we went for a walk down the hill to the monastery. Only the bottom story survived and Nima, the lama showed us in. It was a typical Tibetan monastery with effigies of Budda and butter lamps in a dark windowless room. After lunch we had a meeting with the village elders with Nima as spokesperson. He was well educated and spoke excellent English and had a good grasp of the problems the community faced.
On 3rd December we left for Sermatang. It was a pleasant walk and the village appeared quite prosperous. However most of the hotels had been badly damaged and were closed but we did find one open and stayed there. We noticed green plastic rubbish bins and a noticeable absence of rubbish. It transpired a Danish NGO has put a lot of aid into this village, building the high school and providing a girls hostel and other assistance. We were most impressed.
On 4th December we headed down towards Yarsa crossing the Yangri Khola and climbing up to the village. Here we stayed in the Botang Hotel, which was dirty and basic to say the least. I went for a walk up valley through villages, all incredibly dirty and impoverished. There was road access and trucks trundled past me. Back in the hotel I noticed some teenagers sharing a samovar where smoke was inhaled. It was not a good look.
On 5th we headed off on a long walk to Okhreni via Gunsakot. We passed through many impoverished villages with lots of rubbish on the road. The region is heavily populated and there were quite a few damaged houses. After crossing a branch of the Iadrawati Nadi river it was a 700m climb to a pass just above Okhreni. Here we dropped 80m to a village perched on a ridge. Govinda found us a place to camp beside a teashop. It was cloudy and cool.
On 6th we dropped down to the Iadrawati Nadi to the town of Melamchi. This was a large town, incredibly dirty and noisy. Bryan wanted to take a local bus back to Kathmandu but there was only 1 bus in the evening and it was overflowing with locals so I suggested we hire a 4WD to take our team back to KTM. So off we set up a ruined road past huge slips climbing over the Shivapuri NP to reach KTM. We returned to the Shanker hotel, my Kathmandu oasis!
After a few days we went off to Pokara for a short trek towards Annapurna. It was pretty smoggy and surprisingly populated all along the way. The hotel area at Pokara is fairly tidy and clean but everywhere else was an eyesore. I was glad to leave. Back in KTM we had meeting with Lisa Cheogyal, Bob McKerrow, Aruna and Namrata to bring them up to date on our survey. We also met the representatives of the Langtang Management and Reconstruction Committee.
Then on 17th December I took a flight to Kuala Lumpur and New Zealand. Bryan stayed on till 28th when he also flew home.
We were happy with the brief survey of some of the more remote regions that had been badly affected by the earthquake. The challenge now is to see what we can do to help the 2 villages we adopted in terms of service projects. Our aim is to provide solar heating to Kyanjin Gumba and school support to Tarkeghyang.
Appendices:
The memorial service at Langtang:
Lord, we remember all the people local and trekkers who died here on 25th April. It is a reminder of the harsh beauty of the Himalaya and our impermance and frailty in these mountains. Lord we beseech you to bring consolation to the relatives of the people who died here. Also be with the people here who are striving to re-establish their lives. Be with Bryan, Govinda, Suresh, Sanjaya and I that you may keep us safe and help us to accomplish our mission. To the people who died here may you rest in peace.
Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for the Lord will be at my side. He will lead me to green pastures.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen
DRAFT – SUB REPORT
To: NGO’s, Potential funders & Concerned Parties.
Re: Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott – High Himalayas (Langtang & Helambu) Earthquake Relief Survey & Projects.
Version 8 Dec15, 4.40pm.
Introduction:
Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott are two New Zealanders, Climbers & Private Individuals who have just completed a small and low key scoping mission into the High Himalayas to identify any opportunities to assist with the earthquake relief. We include our survey results and assessment summary tables to provide feedback to all organizations, including ourselves, where we will also endeavor to assist within our own resources and after seeking funding in 2016. Dr Stanley is a medical GP Doctor and Bryan Scott is a Project Manager.
This draft - sub report primarily focuses on the survey and aims to communicate initial results and ideas. Early 2016, a more comprehensive report (including photos) is expected to be available.
Background:
Between 17 November and 6 December 2015, Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott assisted by Govinda Sapkota, Suresh Regmi & Sanjaya Silwal trekked in the Langtang and Helambu districts of the High Himalayas. ie Tamang Heritage Trek, the Langtang Trek to Kyanjin Gumba, a difficult winter ascent of the Kanga La Pass, the Kanga La, Naya Kang Trek to Tarkeghyang, then to Yarsa, Okhreni and finally Nawalpur. This path was selected because it is remote, was impacted by the April 25th earthquake and may not be well supported by NGO’s.
Initial Observations:
What we observed was that persons impacted by the earthquake were generally making the best of the difficult situation they find themselves in and getting on as well as they can. Communities were generally constructing temporary homes, which usually consisted of wood frames, corrugate iron and canvas. Keeping warm in the winter will be an issue. Some communities were also building temporary and permanent stone buildings, raising some design queries and in the case of Tarkeghyang, any rebuilding appeared haphazard. In Tarkeghyang consideration may need to be given to significant site clearance, planning and rebuild.
A significant planning and rebuilding issue appears to be that traditional stone homes typically could not withstand the earthquake, whereas those with cemented or reinforced building structures or corners often appeared to be okay, although we are not structural experts, and we are aware that there may be other building options. In our view, this is a matter where good advice is essential before permanent building programs get into full swing.
In many areas gardens and crops were well tended and food was available. In other areas such as Kyanjin Gumba, seasonal planting had been missed and many people had relocated to Kathmandu. Living in Kathmandu is expensive and so there is a desire to return.
Organisation Support:
Generally the many Countries and NGO’s all endeavoring to support Nepal impressed us. A number of critical challenges will be ongoing including meeting basic needs, successfully getting through the winter, restoring communities, moving from temporary to more permanent infrastructure solutions and coordinating with the Nepal Government. There appears significant frustration with the Nepal Government yet to establish a Reconstruction Authority and to make significant aid monies promised actually available. Political paralysis appears to be seriously impacting on desperately needed reconstruction.
Survey:
We have conducted nine survey interviews, plus a number of personal stories from the day of the earthquake. We are aware that our survey technique may not be robust; nevertheless it provides some relatively informed feedback. Original, detailed and signed survey forms are available for inspection and copies.
Kyanjin Gumba & Tarkeghyang:
We completed surveys on both sides of the Ganja La Pass (Kyanjin Gumba & Tarkeghyang) because these communities were remote, severely impacted by the earthquake, had communities that wanted and appeared capable of driving an improvement program principally themselves, however appeared to need at least some initial support. Kyanjin Gumba is a remote community (no road) with many tourist guesthouses and animal grazing. Tarkeghyang has road access and a garden/crops farming. The surveys completed in Kyanjin Gumba were generally from individuals, although a crowd would often be formed. Also we were referred to community leaders in Kathmandu whom we still propose to meet and listen. Feedback in Tarkeghyang was from an individual School Teacher / Principal and from the local Lama who was a young, smart and recognized community leader who had assembled other community representatives with him.
Environmental & Conservation:
We will include an environmental and conservation expectation in any relief that we are involved. We were impressed by what was achieved by the Danes/Nepalese in the Sermathang area with rubbish bins etc and a general cleanup approach. Unfortunately this was not the case in most other areas and in our view is not sustainable.
Survey Outcomes:
From the survey we have tabulated the 16 future and ranked priorities identified by these two communities. Of these we have assessed that we will aim to assist with several projects. i.e. Replacing damaged solar water heating systems in Kyanjin Gumba and assisting school support /supplies in Tarkeghyang, as well as some allocated money donations to both communities. Any support we provide will be dependent upon the success of our fundraising in 2016 and will be dependent upon the community and others also fulfilling their agreed responsibilities. We are hoping that NGO’s will pick up and assist with the other or all the identified priorities. Issues such as food availability and rebuilding homes is a critical undertaking and responsibility, although is unfortunately outside our personal resource and timing ability. Ideally a NGO will take up the offer of significantly reduced helicopter costs and fly winter food, clothes and building materials to Kyanjin Gumba. Dr Stanley and Bryan Scott will return to New Zealand to fund raise as well as we can and communicate with these two communities.
Thank you for your interest in this report and assisting Nepal communities. We would appreciate hearing from you and any feedback or assistance you can provide.
Regards
Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott
In the first instance, please refer any email correspondence to stanleymulvany@gmail.com. Bryan Scott’s contact email is bryanscott8092@gmail.com.
DRAFT – Himalayas Earthquake Relief Survey, 8 Dec 2015, SUMMARY
Person 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person 9
Kyanjin G Kyanjin G Kyanjin G Kyanjin G KyanjinG Kyanjin G Kyanjin G Tarkeghyang Tarkeghyang
Person Lakpa Lama (M) Karcsom
Lama (F) Dawa Lama
(M) Lhakpa Dhundup
(M) Pasang Tenjing Tamang (M) Lahmu Hisi
(F) Pasang & Chiring Tamang (M&F) Toya Gautam (M) Nima Lama
(M)
Position Owner Yala Peak Guest House Owner Moonlight Guest Hse Coowner Namaste GuestHse School Teacher Monk & Community leader
EQ Impact 65% damage.
2 dead. Lost roof, kitchen & dining rm Lost 2nd flr & solar water. ie business. Almost all houses & school destroyed. Destroyed. Suffering. Lack food & support.
EQ Help NGO-food.
Govt-15000R per family NGO-Corrugate iron
Govt-15000R per family 1 day of helicopter corrugate NGO-blankets & rice
Govt-15000R per family NGO-10 Corrugate per house
Govt-15000R per family NGO-Food & tents
NGO-corrugate
Govt-15000R fam 9 sacks rice. Many organizations.
Not enough.
EQ Promises NGO-Helicopter NGO- Collecting money for Langtang community NGO-Replace 400 milking cows & milking plant Person- 2 rooms, kitchen & toilet? Caritas (Swiss) providing Schools in district Not sure. Any NGO needs to involve Govt. i.e. issue.
Prepared for winter Not everybody Preparing Not completely No. Return Kathmandu. Back March No. Illiterate. Don’t know next step.
Popl’n before EQ 200 116 families in upper Langtang 39 houses in Kyanjin 450. Go to Kathmandu. 116 homes. Some abroad economic.
Popl’n after EQ 50 People will return 35 & students. ~80 total. Paid workers.
Priority 1 Food Money for food Food House / Shelter Clothing, blankets & food Food (1 mth left) Solar water & light Homes. Incl clear homes in 1 spot Money & expertise to build homes
Priority 2 Rebuild Homes Money for building Rebuild homes Food Maintain house Money for house Rice, sugar & flour Food & Clothing Monastery. Guidance.
Priority 3 Money Free Helicopter Solar Solar electrical Monastery House School School
Priority 4 Solar Panels Have wood & stone. Need corrugate. Winter clothing Health post Blankets, clothing & food Drinking water network Food
Priority 5 Corrugate Solo elderly care School bags Medical health post
Other -School in Mundu
-Missed planting season
-Helicopter food & materials -Need food for 116 families or will fight.
-Community leaders in Kathmandu -Have people to build
-1 Month left
-Build again June-Aug
-3 key leaders in Kathmandu -Food difficult to carry -Lack workers
-10corrugate insufficient.
-Some families return to Kathmandu
-Too costly.
- Avoid middlemen -Concerned home fire & safety risk.
-Needs planning.
-NGO’s should communicate
-Spend money efficiently
-Accountable
Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott. 8 Dec 2015.
Survey
Project
Feedback
Ranking-
KyanjinG Survey Project
Feedback
Ranking-
Tarkeghy Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott Project Assess -
KyanjinG Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott Project Assess -
Tarkeghyang Reason Action Budget Accountability
Survey Project Priority Feedback:
Food 1 3 X X Resource & Timing
Rebuild homes 2 X X Resource & Timing
Money 3 Achieve & value Community
Contract ? Govinda report
Solar-water 4 X Achieve & value Community Contract ? Bryan to view initial options.
Govinda to inspect & report.
Solar-electrical 5 X X Less priority
Corrugate 6 X X Resource & Timing
Free helicopter 7 X X Resource & Timing
Winter clothing& blankets 8 4 X X Timing
Solo elderly care 9 X X Resource & Timing
Monastery 10 5 X X Resource
Workers 11 X X Resource & Timing
Planning / Building advice 1 X Achieve & value Community Contract ? Bryan to identify initial Consultant options.
Assist School support / supplies.eg school bags 2 X Achieve & value Community Contract ? Stanley to follow-up. Govinda to inspect & report.
Drinking water network 6 X X Resource & Timing
Medical Health Post 7 X X Resource
Other Ideas:
Environmental & Conservation plan & action Needs sustainable Community Contract ? Stanley to liaise with Danes. Govinda to inspect & report.
DRAFT – Project Assessment & Decision Making Summary, 8 Dec 2015.
Dr Stanley & Bryan Scott. 8 Dec 2015.
Key People:
MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), phone 4112217, provides helicopter flights for NGOs registered in Nepal or international NGOs. They have a reduced charge for relief flights but not free. Capt Deojoak Rana (pilot)
Karcsom of Yala Peak Guesthouse at Kyanjin Gumba
Dawa Janba of Kyanjin Gumba dawaa_lama@yahoo.com Ph:9841903810
Lakpa Dhundup of Kyanjin Gumba
Pasang Tenjing Tamang of Kyanjin Gumba
Lahmu Hisi, owner of guesthouse destroyed in Kyanjin Gumba
Pasang Tamang, owner of Namaste GH at Kyanjin Gumba ph 9741503205
Toya Gautam, school teacher at Tarkeghyang. EM: toyagautam3@yahoo.com ph 9841005123
Nima Lama, spokesperson for Trakeghyang community nimalamasss@netscape.net
Lisa Cheogyl, NZ Consul lisa@cheogyal.com
Bob McKerrow, IPPF Nepal, bob.mckerrow@gmail.com
Aruna Uprety, Founder and Board secretary, RHEST, arunauprety@yahoo.com
Namrata Sharma, vice-president RHEST namrata1964@yahoo.com
Greg Bell, https://www.facebook.com/greg.bell.3363?fref=ts
Mark Ayers, no 8-wire Nepal project, ph: 0272404045
https://www.facebook.com/No-8-Wire-Project-Nepal-939867909438740...
Bryan Scott, bryanscott8092@gmail.com
Dr Stanley Mulvany, stanleymulvany@gmail.com
Interviews: The above persons have given us permission to share their stories with the world and have signed our interview notes, which we have kept.
26/11/15 Pasang and Chiring Tamang story ( Namaste Guesthouse, Kyanjin Gumba)
“On 25/4/15 there were 7 Spanish and 2 guides staying at my guesthouse. They left at 9.30am. It was a cloudy day. The earthquake struck at 12.30pm. There was a big shake and everyone ran outside. Stones fell off and then a huge avalanche came out of the sky. We ran inside, as there were clouds of dust. The avalanche came off Langtang Lirung, jumped the moraine wall and struck Kyanjin Ri and was deflected on the village. Many people were injured and 1 died. It was 2 days before help came, as it was cloudy. I was scared for my wife, daughter and 2 grandchildren who were in Langtang village for a Buddish celebration. Luckily they had set off that morning from Langtang Village and were saved. My wife had a cut on her head that’s all. I set off and found them. Then 2 days later the helicopters came, Nepal army, American, Indian, Japan, Singapore and South Korean. Only the most critically injured were evacuated, as many other areas needed help. I slept under rocks until evacuated 25 days after the EQ.”
24/11/15 Dawa Janba and Karscom ( Yala Guesthouse)
“On the day of the earthquake, the ground shook badly. Then we heard a loud noise. We did not know the glacier had broken and fallen. I was very afraid and ran. It was cloudy and did not see the avalanche coming. Then it struck the mountain (Kyanjin Ri) and fell on the village. There was snow and blocks of ice and it covered the village and buried many. I covered my daughter. My son was blown away and found by a porter. He had 2 broken legs. I lost consciousness. 4 Americans from the Langtang Lirung expedition saved many lives. My shoulder was injured and my hand fractured. On day 3 my son was evacuated to Kathmandu. He eventually had surgery on his fractures. I lived in a tent in KTM for 7 months. I am due to return to KTM to have the pin removed.”
1/12/15 Kanmu Sherpa ( Tarkeghyang)
“I lost my mother, brother, elder sister and their 2 children in the earthquake in Langtang. My husband and his brother built this temporary wooden house for us. On the day of the earthquake my husband and I were in a bus with our child, when it rocked violently and then toppled over. We ran for our life. When we came back to the village it was destroyed and all the people were crying and very distressed”.
As she told us this tears ran down her face and she addressed us as ‘brother’.
Dr Stanley Mulvany, Invercargill 15/1/2016
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