E-Kantipur

TAPLEJUNG, DEC 21 -

The September 18 earthquake ravaged much of the eastern hill districts of the country, and situated close to the quake’s epicentre, Taplejung suffered the most. Not a single building in the district was spared by the 6.8 temblor. Houses that did stand the quake’s wrath were left with dislodged and cracked walls.

Three months after the tremor, Taplejung residents have not been able to shake themselves out of the horror they went through.

“It is difficult to let go of the past traumatic experience, especially when it comes haunting,” said Hasta Bahadur Thapa of Phurumbu VDC. Taplejung has experienced three minor jolts since September. All of these tremors were felt in December with their epicentres at the northern region of the district. The latest one, measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale, shook the area early on Monday morning. The other two were recorded on December 14 and December 9 with magnitudes of 4.9 and 4.2.

Thapa and his family have not dared to sleep inside the house since Monday. His house had to be repaired after the September quake and it is barely standing, he said.

Krishnamaya Mabo of Mamangkhe VDC and her family of seven live in a house that has a leaning wall supported by a wooden post. The house had nearly collapsed in the September quake, while the family had spent a month in a tarpaulin shelter. Her neighbours helped her put up the wooden support against the leaning house.

“I fear every night the house will give away and kill my entire family,” she said.

According to the Nepal Red Cross Society, there are around 750 families in Taplejung living in risk and fear.

The frequent quakes in recent days have troubled many residents like Thapa and Mabo.

Posted on: 2011-12-21 08:28

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