Quake Victims' Plight

Jajarkot earthquake victims still lack a proper roof over their heads and languish in torn tarpaulins and cracked corrugated zinc sheets. Due to the lengthy administrative process, many earthquake victims have not yet received both installments of monetary relief promised by the government. Quake victims endured harsh winter without proper shelters and adequate warm clothes. Adding to their woes, the monsoon rains and natural disasters have been wreaking havoc on their makeshift shelters. Those, who survived the tremor and ensuing winter, have now found themselves coping with the wrath of the monsoon. There is the looming threat of landslides and water-borne diseases, as these victims lack the basic amenities of life.

The National Assembly on Sunday discussed the report on the on-site study, observation and monitoring of earthquake-affected districts in Karnali Province. Minister for Home Affairs, Ramesh Lekhak, however, has assured that the government was committed to providing comprehensive relief and rebuilding efforts to the Jajarkot quake victims. The Home Minister highlighted that the administration was working diligently to address the needs of the affected citizens and that every effort would be made to deliver aid and expedite the reconstruction of the damaged structures.  

The cumbersome bureaucratic procedures have hindered the disbursement of relief and reconstruction funds in Jajarkot and Rukum West. It's too late as almost 10 months have elapsed since the earthquake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale shook Jajarkot and Rukum West. The concerned authorities should take to note the struggles, pain, anguish, and helplessness of the victims and swing into action to provide relief without further delay. The victims are in dire need of relief to return to normal life, so assistance from the government and other organisations are direly needed. Although the government has been repeatedly pledging that it will provide Rs. 50,000 each for the construction of temporary shelters, they are yet to receive the second installment of the reconstruction grants.

As per the Temporary Housing Construction Grant Procedure for Earthquake Affected Households - 2080, a displaced family whose house is completely or partially damaged and has become uninhabitable will receive Rs. 50,000 each in two installments. Out of 32,996 households in Rukum West, 16,000 have received Rs. 40 million in the first installment. In Jajarkot, 40,041 out of 48,516 eligible beneficiaries have been paid Rs. 1 billion. Likewise, 4,417 households in Salyan have received Rs. 50 million.  The victims have opted to live in houses that are unfit to stay. They have somehow managed to withstand the harsh winter, but their rickety houses might cave in anytime due to the rains.

The Jajarkot earthquake victims now stare at the possible displacements and danger of becoming homeless as the monsoon rains show no sign of abating. Having dwelling places is among the basic requirements of the citizens and the government should fulfill this right. Similarly, it also vital to supply medical needs and clean water and food for the victims. What is more important is the swift disaster preparedness that the concerned agencies must prioritise so that the people are not left in the lurch during the calamities like earthquakes and landslides.