Relief pouring in from states for quake-hit Nepal
SHILLONG: When the other state governments of the country are taking all necessary steps to despatch relief materials to quake-hit Nepal, Meghalaya Government is yet to initiate any such step.
The philanthropists in the state are also at a loss as to how to provide help as the state government has not mooted any centralized system to accept clothes and money.
The Madhya Pradesh Government has already handed over relief materials like tents, waterproof tarpaulins and blankets being collected in the State for the Nepal earthquake victims to the Central Government. Tamil Nadu government has offered financial help for Nepal victims.
There was no report of any resident from Meghalaya getting trapped in Nepal following the April 25 earthquake.
Earlier, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner had opened help lines to ensure that the affected people, if any, get assistance to return to Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, a few organizations have come up with candle light vigil praying for the victims.
The Gorkha organizations in city have decided to meet on Wednesday to chalk out the nature of assistance to be provided to the affected victims. The Treasurer, Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh,and member Meghalaya Gorkha Welfare Union Madhu Sudhan Singh Rawat told The Shillong Times on Saturday that while the tragedy has touched all the people of Meghalaya which falls on Seismic zone 5, he hoped that the Meghalaya Government will come up with some measures soon.
“We thank the Indian Government for coming forward with maternal feeling to render help to the people of Nepal,” Rawat said, being a Gorkha, he also appreciates the stand taken by countries and the neighbouring states.
According to Rawat, while financial help and relief materials are pouring in, what is urgently required is the management of the crisis.
“Nepal needs ready hands to work as volunteers as re-building is the need of the hour,” said Rawat who is also the Chief Accounts officer MeECL.
Moreover, while people who are in Kathmandu can avail relief materials, there is also a need to check whether the materials are reaching the right people residing in the far flung areas of Nepal.
While Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh and Meghalaya Gorkha Welfare Union will discuss on the nature of help to be provided to the people of Nepal during their meeting on Wednesday, another meeting has been scheduled on Sunday by Greater Shillong Crematorium & Mortuary Society to discuss the matter.