The November 3-midnight earthquake of Jajarkot and Rukum West should once again remind all Nepalis of the need to prepare for ever-present-risk of earthquakes in the country. Coping with quake is what all Nepalis and their institutions should learn. Some eight years ago Nepalis had felt dangerous jolt of earthquake. Lessons from that earthquake guided immediately the first responders, rescue and relief structures and their workers in Jajarkot and Rukum West. As for the existence of preparedness for such a great danger at household and community levels, it, however, appears both areas did not have anything in preparation for the disaster of a great scale. The other areas which did not suffer from the quake this time also looked unprepared to cope with calamities of such scale. They simply could not extend a helping hand to the two districts at the time of crisis. The governments at three levels are doing their best to offer rescue and relief to the people requiring the same. Some volunteer organizations have also come forward to help the quake-hit people. Cooperation for the victims should not be guided by the theories of camera-show, selfie-interest, partisan perspectives and personal photo-opportunity-pleasure. It should be directed by real volunteerism and sense of dedicated service. Regarding relief operations in the quake-hit premises emphasis should be given on the high values of equality, equity, justice and fair dealing. If these values are not recognized and honoured, relief efforts would be only for the comfort of a few on top and the poor, deprived, and the downtrodden among the victims will continue to suffer. Guarding for safe drinking water and proper hygiene and sanitation should be given top priority. Partisan approach to tackle problems in the quake-damaged areas should be completely shunned. Leaders of all political parties should take bold steps in this regard. All should be prepared for working for the quake victims and quake hit areas and not the members of parties – ruling or opposition – in the areas. Both the federal government and the provincial government have a special responsibility of being transparent in all relief works and doing justice to all without any sort of discrimination. Children and women, the home-less and the living-less people who have suffered most from the quake should first be served with utmost care. Elected representatives of the areas affected most by the quake should come forward, be active in ensuring fair relief works. As relief works give way to rehabilitation and reconstruction, all should emphasize that they build infra structure that are sound and can stand quakes’ jolts. Reconstruction should be guided right from the beginning that it could tolerate jolts in a reasonable way. The quake-proof techniques and materials should be used in this regard. Individual householders should be motivated to do so through sound communication and comfortable quake-resilience system.
