Earthquake Diaries From Nepal-Part 1 “7.3 On Arrival”

It’s been 2 years since the first of several earthquakes and tremors terrorized the Himalayan nation of Nepal. It was April 25th, 2015 at 11:56am local time when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the country. It was followed by several hundred aftershocks and another 7.3 tremor on May 12 that in total killed nearly 9,000 people and injured over 22,000 leaving many homeless. To this day thousands are still not living in a permanent home.

Having visited the country on several occasions over the years when I first heard the news of the devastation I thought I should plan a trip to see first-hand how severely damaged the country was and it’s tourism infrastructure. I knew that the media reports of a ruined tourism industry would have a huge impact on the nation and it’s people that desperately rely on tourists to earn a living. I also wanted to encourage other people to visit the country either through volunteering to help with the recovery or once the situation had stabilized, make their own travel plans to Nepal, as this is one of the most effective ways to help the country rebuild.

My flight was due to arrive at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport May the 12th at 2pm. Approximately 1 hour before we were due to land the pilot announced another earthquake had struck Nepal and our descent would be delayed until crews finished a runway safety check. The plane went completely silent, passengers mostly all Nepalis returning home for the first time since the devastation, fearing more loss.

This documentary series, comprised of recorded live streams, apologies for the inferior quality, along with regular footage I captured is my diary of the 20 days I spent in Nepal during some of the most desperate moments in the country’s history. After 90 minutes of circling the Kathmandu Valley on May 12, 2015 we were finally cleared for landing. This is where my story begins.

I would love to get your feedback on the podcast either by email to john@fareastadventuretravel.com or just message me on the Far East Adventure Travel Facebook page. In China you can contact me on Weibo as fareastadventure. If you want to find out more about visiting Nepal you can check out our travel page Explore Himalayan. The link is in the show notes of this podcast.
I’ll also leave a link in the show notes to my photo essay “Voices Of Nepal” published last year in the Impossible Project Magazine.

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Travel Information For Nepal:https://explorehimalayan.com

John Saboe “Voices Of Nepal”-https://magazine.the-impossible-project.com/voices-of-nepal/?utm_source=Impossible+Magazine&utm_campaign=4ecd6c44b0-Magazine_Monthly_Newsletter_July_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3aa46766f1-4ecd6c44b0-91484753&mc_cid=4ecd6c44b0&mc_eid=af7b26c1ba

About the Author John Saboe

I am a broadcaster, photographer, writer and videographer with a passion for travel throughout Asia. I love making connections and engaging with people. I am spiritual and seek adventure wherever I go.

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