Aidi launches campaign to build temporary houses for quake victims

By Shailendra Rokaya,Bajhang, Nov. 7: On October 3, 2023, western Nepal experienced two earthquakes originating in Bajhang district which resulted in huge loss of lives and property. 

Belmati Bista, a financially vulnerable single woman from Dugri, Masta Rural Municipality-2, is compelled to live in a tent after the earthquake turned her house into rubble.

Bishnu Aidi, a central member of the Tarun Dal, the youth wing of the Nepali Congress, initiated a campaign to build temporary shelters for single women and the economically disadvantaged. The happiness that was taken away by the earthquake returned to the Bista family after they got the temporary shelter built in Aidi’s support.

Bista said, "In the morning, Aidi was observing the damaged houses. Upon seeing that we were staying under a tent, he inquired about our situation. He promised to construct a shelter for us, and in the afternoon, he came and erected it. Now, we have a place to stay until our house is rebuilt."

“We were living in a tent after the earthquake destroyed our house. To us, Aidi came as a saviour. A team led by Aidi constructed the temporary house in a single day, bringing immense joy to our family,” she said.

Bista said, “We had built a house with the money we earned working in India for three years, but the earthquake destroyed our house.” She expressed her disappointment, noting they have received only a tent and a single piece of clothing as relief, so far.

Shiva Bhandari of Jayaprithvi Rural Municipality-7 is the sole surviving member of his family. After the earthquake, he was living with a neighbour. After getting a temporary shelter, he is happy that he has a place to live in. 

Aidi has also constructed houses for single women Durga Khadka and Lakshmi Rawal of Mashta Rural Municipality-1, as well as a house for the family of Ganesh Nepali from Jayaprithvi Municipality-11, who lost his life in the recent Israel attack by Hamas.

In response, Aidi stated, "The sight of people enduring the cold weather in temporary shelters deeply moved me. I am currently leading a campaign to construct temporary houses, supported by some of my well-wishers and my personal investment. As of now, seven houses have been completed, and two more are currently under construction. The campaign is going on."

The earthquake of October 3 destroyed over 12,000 structures in Bajhang, more than 2,000 structures sustained damage in Thalaragaon Municipality, as well as in Khaptadchanna, Jayaprithvi, Mashta, Diyanot, Kedarsu, and Surma Rural Municipality.