Nature's Test and Our Resilience

Nature's Test and Our Resilience

By Bodh Raj Lamsal
13th May 2015

The earth has shaken, and our hearts are heavy. On 25th April 2015 (Bikram Sambat 2072 Baishakh 12), a powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck Nepal, leaving an indelible scar on our nation. Over 8,000 people lost their lives, and many more were injured. Our historical monuments, like the iconic Dharahara Tower, fell to the ground, and countless homes were reduced to rubble. The devastation was widespread, and the grief immeasurable.

As Nepal tried to come to terms with this tragedy, another earthquake hit us just yesterday, 12th May 2015 (Bikram Sambat 2072 Baishakh 29), with a magnitude of 7.7. The tremors once again sent shockwaves through the country, both literally and emotionally. More lives were lost, more buildings were destroyed, and the fear that had just begun to subside came rushing back with a vengeance.

Nature's Test

These earthquakes have tested us in ways we could never have imagined. They remind us of nature’s unpredictable power and our own vulnerability. We like to believe we are in control of our lives, but events like these force us to confront a truth: nature, in all its grandeur and fury, holds the ultimate power.

Yet, while nature tests us, it also reveals the resilience within us. Amid the chaos, we find the strength to stand together, to care for one another, and to rebuild.

Personal Pain, Collective Grief

For me, the past few weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. I had left my family in Nepal just a few days before the first earthquake. Being far from them during such a terrifying time has been one of the hardest experiences of my life. Each aftershock, each piece of news, filled me with anxiety about the safety of my loved ones. My parents and family, who are in Gaindakot, thankfully remained safe, despite enduring multiple shocks. But the uncertainty, the helplessness, and the distance have been overwhelming.

And yet, I am among the fortunate ones. Many families have lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of security. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, not just for those who lost material possessions, but for those whose hearts have been shattered by loss.

Rebuilding with Purpose

As we move forward, the question arises: what can we do in the face of such overwhelming destruction? It is easy to feel powerless in the face of nature’s fury, but this is the time to act with purpose. The earthquakes may not be in our control, but how we rebuild and prepare for the future is.

This is an opportunity to rethink how we build our homes, our cities, and our nation. It is a chance to ensure that our structures are stronger, that our communities are better prepared, and that our efforts are more sustainable. This is not just about physical reconstruction but also about emotional and spiritual healing. We must support one another in this time of grief, ensuring that no one feels alone in their pain.

A Time for Reflection

These earthquakes also compel us to reflect on our relationship with nature. As humans, we have often taken nature for granted, cutting down forests, polluting rivers, and building without care for the environment. The consequences of our actions are evident. It’s time we face the reality that we are part of the natural world, and we must live in harmony with it, respecting its power and its gifts.

This tragedy, as painful as it is, offers a moment to pause and reassess our priorities. We must not only rebuild our homes but also rebuild our relationship with the earth. We need to make conscious choices in how we interact with our environment so that future generations do not suffer the same fate.

Moving Forward with Hope

In the midst of all this destruction, there is still hope. Hope in the strength of the Nepali people. Hope in our ability to rise from the rubble and rebuild stronger than before. Hope in the countless acts of kindness and solidarity that have emerged in this time of crisis.

The road ahead will be long, but we will walk it together. As we remember those we have lost, let us also remember the lessons these earthquakes have taught us: about the fragility of life, the importance of community, and the need to live in harmony with the world around us.

We may be tested, but we will not be broken. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will rise.