Our greatest crisis yet in flood-stricken Nepal
Peter Waddup, CEO - The Leprosy Mission Great Britain
I'd like to report that this week has seen the calm after the storm. But nothing could be further from the truth. The Leprosy Mission’s flagship hospital in Nepal is in a state of emergency after record monsoon rains lashed the Kathamandu valley. Incredible supporters here in the UK keep this special place of refuge and care running. Through their generosity, a lifeline is thrown to thousands of people living below the poverty line each year. It breaks my heart to see the devastation caused to this wonderful beacon of light high on a mountaintop.
On the morning of 28 September the downpours gave way to deadly landslides at Anandaban. Staff suffer flashbacks of buildings and trees cascading down the mountainside in a torrent of mud. Can you imagine their terror as they fought to escape the tumbling debris and make for safety? Overnight, roads turned to rivers or were completely buried in mud. Only the army was able to reach Anandaban Hospital.
Homes on the Anandaban Hospital site were destroyed in the landslide
When I wrote last week communication was patchy and we had little information. We did know, however, that it was a desperate situation. Borewells supplying the hospital with water were damaged. This left the hospital without a fresh water supply. We were acutely aware there was just a day or two of water left stored in tanks. Food supplies were rapidly dwindling. There was a real danger of the entire hospital campus needing to be evacuated. But how could this even happen with every road blocked?
We are relieved that it has not been necessary, so far, to evacuate the hospital site. This is despite more rainfall. Instead, patients have been moved from the wards to the new main hospital building for safety. Temporary repairs have successfully restored the hospital's water and electricity supply, but now, more permanent solutions need to be found. Emergency food supplies have reached the hospital.
My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has already donated to the disaster relief fund. An outpouring of love for patients and staff has seen lifesaving help reach Anandaban. There is so much to be thankful for regardless of the momentous task ahead of restoring the hospital. With South Asia bearing the brunt of climate change, measures are needed to protect it from future weather events. In the meantime, exhausted staff continue working around the clock providing emergency care. I personally do not know how they are still functioning. But I do know that I am incredibly thankful for their compassion, tenacity and sacrifice.
In my darker moments this week, I have been comforted that Anandaban means 'forest of joy' in Nepali. My heart was somehow lifted by this simple encouragement. I reminded myself that this special place has survived some pretty tough times. Although the current disaster is undoubtedly its greatest crisis yet, we are not without hope.
Anandaban Hospital was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake yet somehow clung to the mountainside. The incredible staff worked day and night for weeks caring for 18,000 earthquake victims. Then only back in April I visited Anandaban with a small group of supporters. It turned out to be an eventful visit as raging forest fires threatened to engulf the hospital. Yet miraculously, the blaze stopped just a few metres away from the hospital site. We are hoping and praying for a similar miracle as we work to find solutions to the current catastrophe.
For decades Anandaban has been a beacon of hope to so many patients affected by leprosy. For many it is only the only place they are loved, accepted and cared for free of charge. The area surrounding the hospital is very poor. Anandaban Hospital is the nearest place for thousands of people to access affordable medical care. Can you imagine not having a doctors' surgery or being able to go to an A&E department? Our amazing supporters make healthcare a reality for these precious people. It is an incredible gift to give.
Thank you so much for reading this and for caring. If you would like to give to keep the beacon of light that is Anandaban shining, you can do so here. It is our prayer that the hospital and all its services will be fully restored and reinstated soon. The mountaintop hospital can then shine brighter than ever before.
