Nearly
a half million people are estimated to have lost their homes following
Nepal’s April 25 earthquake, and those whose houses are still standing
continue to sleep in tents (photo was taken first day after the
earthquake) as aftershocks keep them on edge. The aftershocks are
expected to continue for months, if not years. At the same time, rains
have hampered relief efforts and triggered fears of disease due to lack
of sanitation in crowded conditions, a situation that the imminent
monsoon season is expected to exacerbate. Outbreaks of cholera, typhoid
and hepatitis A and E are feared. Indigenous ministries assisted by
Christian Aid Mission know local sources of inexpensive supplies and are
walking through rains to bring clean water, food, tents and medicines
to areas difficult to access. “We have to collect water for drinking and
bathing, and if water is gone then we have to buy a water tank, and if
not that then we have the rivers,” said one ministry leader. “A church
building in one area has gone down, and family members there have
nothing left now. They have lost so many things, and there are sick
people.”
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