The schools still lie dilapidated. Long gone is the commotion of the students they were once filled with. A little further away, where what was once a police post, lies a heap of debris. At homes, not completely razed by the temblors, animals and their owners share the same kitchen.
Even after an year following the 2015 quakes, most villages in hard-hit districts like Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Lamjung and Ramechhap wear the same dilapidated look that they did, soon after the quake last year.
The people, however, have continued with their lives. Children have returned to makeshift schools and their parents have gone back to the fields. At night, they return to shelters made out of corrugated steel sheets, some of which are plastered with mud. It stands as a testimony to the fact that these temporary shelters are here to stay.
In the weeks leading up to the anniversary of last year’s earthquakes, Onlinekhabar revisited these four districts.
Sindhupalchok
Sindhupalchok, perhaps, is the best example of the lack of crisis management in the aftermath of the quake.
Aid reached the villages of what was one of the most badly-hit districts immediately. But at ground, scenes at most distribution points were chaotic.
Soon after, reports came in stating that the immediate relief of Rs 2000 provided by the government was also subject to embezzlement, mostly done by those with strong political connections.
Dolakha
Singati still continues to teem with activities like it has always been.
However, after the quake, villagers are uncertain about their future in the village.
Ramechhap
The great quakes of last year were an equaliser, toppling entire settlements in remote districts as well as in urban areas.
The scene of devastation was the same in Ramechhap. On the banks of Tamakoshi river, remnants of broken houses stand as a harsh reminder of the quake that killed thousands.
Lamjung
Entire villages in eastern and northern Lamjung were destroyed by the quakes.
Although the district is relatively more well-off than other hard-hit districts, villagers still await aid.
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