Kathmandu: as relief fails to arrive, survivors resort to eating dead animals and reading the Bible
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Seven days without help is pushing some survivors to eat the carcasses of animals killed in the earthquake. Without emergency crews, faith becomes the sole source of hope.
"We have already spent six nights in the open and waited for some help, but no one came,” said Ram Bhujel, a survivor in Sindhuli-9, which is outside the capital and the Kathmandu Valley. “In order to survive, we decided to eat dead animals.”
“I have three children and a pregnant wife,” he explained. “They all started crying from hunger. So, we decided to eat the meat of a dead buffalo. We had no alternative: we had to survive."
After him, other families began to eat the animals that died in the quake. Similar cases have been reported in other remote areas in the districts of Gorkha.
However, doctors have warned people, urging them not to eat dead animals. "We have asked the government to spread the message to everyone not to eat dead animals because this could lead to the spread of epidemics,” said Dr Sunil Maharjan.
Meanwhile, rescue operations continue today. Two people were pulled out alive from the rubble in Gongabu, near Kathmandu (pictured). However, the fate of thousands in the distant mountainous areas is unknown.
Emergency aid teams have now set up shop in and around the capital. However, rain, landslides and lack of resources have prevented them from reaching the more isolated districts.
Helicopters are in great need but in short supply. Only 20 are available. China has promised to send some.
The Interior minister said that the government is doing everything possible to bring aid. "We are doing our best to reach all affected areas,” said Government Chief Secretary Lilamani Poudel, “but we have very limited resources. Still, we will soon reach every area."
As she waits for relief action to get in high gear, Sanu Maharjan said she survived thanks to the Holy Scriptures.
"I was reading the Bible and praying when the quake hit,” she said. “Our chapel began to shake and move. But God saved us and we are alive. There is no food but God’s word is giving us energy. We hope God will provide us with some food to eat."
"I converted to Christianity five years ago, along with my two children,” Sanu explained. Now “The Lord saved me and gave me my life again. I shall dedicate my life to Him, spread His word and raise awareness among thousands of people about His grace.”
This morning, in an update of the situation, Nepali police said that the death toll now stands at 6,200 with some 14,000 people injured. About 140,000 homes have been destroyed.
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