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The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has announced a monetary aid of Rs 10 million to the earthquake survivors in Jajarkot and Rukum West.

A meeting of the CAAN on Sunday decided to deposit the assistance amount to the Prime Minister Disaster Rescue Fund, according to CAAN Spokesperson and Deputy Director General, Jagannath Niraula. 

Furthermore, the CAAN has declared a total discount on airport charges for flights dedicated to providing relief assistance from Nepalgunj, Surkhet, Rukum Salle, and Chaurjahari airports.

The earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale at 11:47 pm on Friday, with its epicenter in Jajarkot, resulted in significant casualties and property damage in these districts of the Karnali Province.

So far, 157 have been confirmed dead in the quake.

Amid frantic search and rescue efforts that are coming to a close, earthquake survivors are awaiting food, shelter and medical treatment from the government that is trying hard to get its acts together, in a grim reminder of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake that killed about 9,000 people and caused loss of infrastructure worth billions of rupees. Hundreds of survivors are spending the night under the open sky after their houses collapsed as a mag-6.4 earthquake hit Jajarkot and east Rukum late Friday.

The emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar on Sunday decided to set up the main liaison office at Surkhet and the auxiliary liaison office at Nepalgunj to make the search, rescue and relief distribution effective.

“The government will provide Rs 200,000 to each bereaved family and government hospitals will provide free treatment to the injured. Makeshift shelters will be managed for the affected,” said government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma.

“Since the reconstruction work cannot be effective through the traditional construction method and the existing procurement act, there is a demand to do the reconstruction work through a robust and effective mechanism. An action plan will be formulated accordingly,” the government spokesperson said. 

The modality for providing subsidies for the quake victims to construct houses also figured in the meeting. “Genuine victims should get subsidies, and the houses built should be properly utilized,” said Sharma. The meeting also decided to provide lunch expenses to those deployed in the search, rescue and relief distribution and asked one and all to be patient in this time of disaster.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has issued directives for making the relief and rehabilitation for the Jajarkot earthquake victims effective. Addressing the meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management National Council at Singha Durbar on Sunday, he instructed relevant authorities to conduct relief and rehabilitation operations effectively.

PM Dahal expressed sorrow over the loss of life and properties resulting from the quake and stressed the need to utilize the disaster as an important opportunity for reconstruction.

The 13th meeting of the council was convened to discuss the damage resulting from the earthquake, and the steps the government needs to take in the aftermath of the disaster. On the occasion, PM directed all to be serious in making the post-quake rescue, relief and reconstruction effective, describing the steps taken by the three tiers of the government and other bodies right after the disaster as “positive”.

He said preparations have been made to undertake post-disaster works in a prompt manner by making suitable changes in the existing Acts, regulations and structures based on the best practices in the aftermath of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake.

“I thank all the parties, the federal government and various agencies, the provincial government and the local governments for their post-earthquake initiatives. We have carried out search and rescue operations. Now we need to concentrate on relief and rehabilitation,” the PM reiterated. 

He directed all concerned to manage warm clothes for the earthquake victims and make medical treatment for the injured more effective. Reminding that Nepal is a country vulnerable to natural disasters, the PM acknowledged that the government’s disaster preparedness has not been adequate.

“For the next three days, let us make maximum efforts for relief. The existing Acts, procedures and structures may have to be amended to make reconstruction works more effective. We need to make a sound review of our past experiences as well,” PM Dahal reiterated. 

While 157 people have lost their lives in the quake, six more survivors have been brought to Nepalgunj-based Bheri Hospital for treatment from Jajarkot and Rukum, said Banke’s Chief District Officer, Shrawan Kumar Pokharel. They are among 38 quake survivors brought from the quake-hit districts to Nepalgunj for treatment.

Open air medical facility

A 10-bed health facility at Barekot, the epicenter of the quake, is attending to those injured in the quake in the open as the jolt has also damaged its building. Senior ANM Kalpana Rokaya said temporary arrangements are in place for providing healthcare services majorly targeting the quake survivors. Meanwhile, Jajarkot continues to experience the aftershocks of Friday’s quake.  

Seismological team in Jajarkot

A team from the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center at Lainchaur has reached Jajarkot to conduct a study on the mag-6.4 temblor. The team under senior seismologist Lokvijaya Adhikari will carry out a comprehensive study and research on the quake, said director-general of the Department of Mines and Geology, Ram Prasad Ghimire. Meanwhile, senior seismologist Adhikari said that the Jajarkot earthquake was not an aftershock of the Bajhang earthquake, but a new one. Four aftershocks have occurred following the earthquake that hit Ramidanda of Jajarkot. An aftershock of mag-4.5 was recorded the same night at 12:08 pm, followed by mag-4.2 jolt at 12:29 pm, mag-4.3 jolt at 12:35 pm and mag-4.2 quake at 3:40 on Saturday afternoon.

The bodies of all ten Nepali students killed in last month's attacks by Hamas militants in south Israel have been brought home.

According to Foreign Ministry's joint-secretary, Sharad Raj Aran, with the arrival of the body of Padam Thapa, of Lamikhal-8 in Doti via the Fly Dubai flight at 11:30 last night, Nepal receives the mortal remains of all those killed in the attack. 

Similarly, rescue efforts are underway for Bipin Joshi of Bhimdutta-3, Kanchanpur, who has gone missing since the assault on October 20.

Prabesh Bhandari of Sarada-3, Salyan; Ganesh Kumar Nepali of Jayaprithvi-6, Bajhang, Lokendra Singh Dhami of Malikarjun-4, Darchula; Dipesh Raj Bista of Lekam-5, Darchula; Anand Shah of Sapahi-6, Dhanusha; Narayan Prasad Neupane of Ghodaghodi-4, Kailali; Rajesh Kumar Swarnakar of Madhuwan-1, Sunsari; Rajan Phulara of Pachnali-3, Doti; and Ashish Chaudhary of Bauniya-3 in Kailali were killed in the attack.

They had been in Israel under the 'Lean and Earn' programme offered by the Israel government for students under the Faculty of Agriculture in the Sudurpashim (Far-Western) University.

Following the attack, 254 Nepali were rescued and brought to Nepal by the government. 

It is said that the Ministry has planned to transport the bodies of Padam, Rajan and Prabesh to their respective home districts by a Nepal Army helicopter this afternoon.

With more than three and half decades of experience in nursing, Archana Ranjit has played the roles of a mother, sister, and daughter to many patients. She is a nursing officer at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital where she has been specializing in surgical nursing, primarily focusing on the burn surgical ward and the operation theater. Recently, she transitioned to the role of sister-in-charge at the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD), following her dedicated service as the head of the burn ward for eight years.

During her teenage years in Bhairahawa, her hometown, she fearlessly practiced the ear-piercing culture and rushed to the first aid treatment of those in need. Her career choice was perhaps only an extension of that. A visit to the hospital introduced her to one of her relative’s sisters who inspired her to pursue nursing as a profession. Since then, Ranjit, now 56, has maintained a steadfast dedication to nursing, progressing from a staff nurse to eventually taking on her current prestigious role at one of the most reputed hospitals in Nepal.

She has expertise in the field of surgical nursing, particularly in burn care. Additionally, she serves as a trainer in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program. In Nepal, she proudly mentions, “Our trainer group was the pioneering team to receive and provide ToT for burn ward training.” In Nepal, she is among the ten people who have received advanced training in burn care.

As a nurse, Ranjit has always had a strong connection with burn patients. At the burn ward, her focus is on comforting patients both physically and emotionally including managing their fluids, nutrition, and diet, offering counseling, and closely observing them for the need for potential surgeries. Despite her varied responsibilities, her primary focus remains on ensuring her patients are as comfortable as possible. “Managing burn injuries requires a lot of vigilance. Patients come with minor to severe, life-threatening burns and each case is different,” she says. 

Throughout her nursing career, she has actively volunteered for numerous initiatives. As a trainer under Burn Violence Survivors Nepal, she has participated in various training camps. In the past, she was associated with Impact Nepal, an organization that conducted ENT (Ear Nose Throat) camps, where she provided her services in various remote areas as well as several other medical and surgical camps organized by the hospital she works at. She is also associated with Astitwa, a non-profit working for the rehabilitation of acid and burn survivors, to bring about awareness on burn violence and its treatment.

The most important aspect of patient care is building trust and creating a familial atmosphere, she says. She views the act of caring for her patients as a form of worship, equating hospitals to temples; embracing a belief in a religion centered around service.

Emphasizing the importance of politeness, Ranjit says, “Nurses need to view patient care as their responsibility rather than just a job.” She is proud of relationships akin to motherhood and sisterhood with her patients. Her enduring patience and meticulous attention to patients are the qualities that she believes make her a true healer.

Five years ago, she came across a burn victim who had recently given birth. Given their challenging financial situation, they couldn’t even afford the basic necessities for the baby. Ranjit took it upon herself to care for the child while the mother was in a critical condition. Even now, when the mother has recovered, she continues to provide assistance within her means. “They refer to me as their mother,” she says with a smile that lights up her eyes. 

 She believes that an autocratic approach to leadership is detrimental, especially in healthcare. As an in-charge, she values and respects every team member. Despite her round-the-clock responsibilities, she persistently strives to create a comfortable space while remaining professional. “The hospital feels like a second home and I want people I work with to feel the same,” she says. 

Despite irregular shifts, she doesn’t have any complaints about her work. On the contrary, she loves that no two days are the same. The only challenging thing is seeing patients in pain. Their suffering and tears still break her heart even after all these years. 

“Advancement in treatment has made things bearable. Now, we don’t feel as helpless as we used to when a burn patient is admitted,” she says. Years ago, burn care basically meant dressing the wound. But now many effective procedures ensure rapid recovery and that makes her heart swell with joy. Nonetheless, what disappoints her is the lack of burn wards across hospitals in Nepal. 

Through her dedicated work, Ranjit has emerged as a patient advocate, ensuring that patients’ needs and concerns are acknowledged and respected. She also strongly believes in raising social awareness about the need for immediate burn care. 

Ranjit highlights the importance of educating every household about the immediate first aid treatment for burns, specifically emphasizing on the use of running water for 30 minutes instead of outdated methods like applying aloe vera or ice. She says there is a lack of awareness among people and says the government must incorporate these essential skills into the school curriculum.

At conferences and meetings that she participates in, Ranjit advocates for the provision of free treatment for every burn victim in Nepal, similar to what acid victims stand to receive under the new policy. 

Ranjit values the love she receives from her patients and the satisfaction she feels when someone gets better is immense. These are, she says, the real awards. At work too, she has received prestigious honors like the ‘Dirgha Sewa Padak’ and the ‘Best Nurse Award’. The Nepal Burn Society has also recognized her for her steadfast dedication and contributions to burn care. Retirement is looming and Ranjit has plans to volunteer at a nursing home and provide free medical care. 

With the growing opportunities in the nursing field worldwide, there is a rise in the number of students pursuing this profession. She urges aspiring nurses to enter the field with a spirit of service, alongside professional growth instead of just being enthralled by the international opportunities it offers.