Ridgetown native Heather Geluk says Nepal working on rebuilding after earthquakes
Ridgetown native Heather Geluk is still volunteering her time in Nepal, helping those affected by two devastating earthquakes, as rebuilding becomes a priority.
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"Everywhere you look, you see people hammering, sawing, deconstructing their homes and building them up again," Geluk told CBC's Afternoon Drive from eastern Nepal Thursday. "It was really uplifting coming down the valley and seeing smiles again and feeling positive energy from the people, and really having a sense this area is being rebuilt."
Last month, a massive 7.9 magnitude quake hit the country, killing more than 8,000 people. Just weeks later, a second quake hit, killing even more.
"The part I'm most concerned about, and maybe this is the part that hasn't been addressed as much, is the psychological damage left on these people."- Heather Geluk
Geluk was mountain climbing in the region when the first one hit. She decided to stay in Nepal and assist with relief efforts. She is currently volunteering her time with a local charity she was previously involved with, Sherpa Adventure Gear Education Fund.
She travelled last week from the capital city, Kathmandu, to Lukla Airport in eastern Nepal to deliver money to families whose homes were destroyed in the earthquakes.
"I was able to move from having my main objective of being in expedition to doing relief work on behalf of the charity," she said. "The money that we've been collecting since the 25th of April we've been able to redirect to the families on the ground here. Given a very complicated political situation here, that's been very helpful."
Geluk said they still feel the occasional aftershock, but it's not what concerns her anymore.
"The part I'm most concerned about, and maybe this is the part that hasn't been addressed as much, is the psychological damage left on these people," she said. "They're still living in tents. They are fearful of going back into their homes. People are scared."
Geluk said she plans to stay in Nepal until the end of the month, and return in the fall to continue to help with rebuilding efforts.