A Villager’s trip to Nepal to visit her son and grandson, has put her at the center of the world’s attention in the wake of a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. The latest death toll has been put at 4,000.
Kelley Kaufman of the Village of Caroline, who traveled to Kathmandu with Ted Godlin, in an email describes the slow break-down of services and sanitation. She and Godlin have opted to cut their vacation short and will fly home in a few days.
But for now they are staying in a hotel in Kathmandu.
“People from the local neighborhood are camping out for warm food, rest and conversation. But the hotel is slowly running out of food and is now without fresh water, can’t wash dishes or silverware. They are using paper plates, plastic utensils and plastic cups – fine with us,” she said in her latest email.
She and Godlin had traveled to Nepal to visit her son who is married to a UNICEF worker.
They all escaped injury in the earthquake.
“The hotel shuts off the power to our rooms during the day to conserve the power for the evening which is more important. Many families with small kids, pregnant women – some traveling without husbands, trekkers who will not trek at this time and returning to their own country of origin.”
Aftershocks continue to rock the city. Everyone is in fear.
“When that happens everyone stops what they are doing and runs for an open safe area – away from any buildings that could fall of us. One aftershock yesterday was a high 6.9 magnitude – lasted many seconds. Over night there were a few more aftershocks. Each time the dogs start barking long and loud, and the birds start screeching long and loud. These sounds have become a symbolic warming to Ted and me,” she said.
She said she feels fortunate to have reached the airline and booked a flight out on Sunday.
“We wanted to leave sooner but seats are not available. Everyone who can flee is fleeing,” she said.
