15-21 May 2015 #758

Shaken but strong

The earthquake also brought out the resilient and self-reliant spirit of the Nepali people to restore their homes, their heritage, the culture and identity of Nepal.
Jan Møller Hansen

Amidst the ruins of what used to be their home, Kathmandu residents sifted through the rubble to salvage belongings and raw materials to reconstruct their homes. Neighbours helped neighbours, even even the youngest members of families lent a helping hand. Sometimes complete strangers stopped by for support. Children helping their parents and siblings to clear sites of what used to be their homes.

And in the midst of it all, people who lost all had time to pause and smile and offer visitors tea.

The earthquake may have devastated Central Nepal, spreading death and destruction, but it also brought out the resilient and self-reliant spirit of the Nepali people to restore their homes, their heritage, the culture and identity of Nepal. The international goodwill and support was overwhelming, Nepal has lots of friends.

Families, neighbours and friends help each other in removing the rubble of their homes in Bhaktapur.

A neighbourhood in Bhaktapur.

Neighbours sit and talk outside their homes.

A boy stands with his plastered arm in a sling. He is living in a tent camp at Bhaktapur after his house was destroyed.

Two young women amidst the ruins at the town square in Bungamati which was severely damaged by the first earthquake on 25 April.

Mother and daughter clean up the rubble of their home in Bungamati.

This boy has been living in a temple courtyard in Bungmati under a plastic sheet with his family after their home was destroyed.

Children play with bricks to build a miniature home in Bungamati.

Children help parents remove debris and rubble from what used to be their home in Bungamati.

Father and son arrive in Bhaktapur, fleeing earthquake damage in their district to the east.

A boy watches the Indian Army clear the streets of his neighbourhood in Bhaktapur.

A girl removes the few remains from what used to be her home in Bhaktapur.

Husband and wife with their baby at a shelter in Bungmati. Their home was completely destroyed.

Two boys carry pieces of wood in Bungamati.

A women in Bungamati smiles amidst the ruins of her house.

Read also:

Rising from the rubble, Anurag Acharya

Moving to safer shelters, Om Astha Rai