Sangita, a Kathmandu shop owner, sits on top of a temple damaged by the earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015. EPA
Sangita, a Kathmandu shop owner, sits on top of a temple damaged by the earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015. EPA
Sangita, a Kathmandu shop owner, sits on top of a temple damaged by the earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015. EPA
Sangita, a Kathmandu shop owner, sits on top of a temple damaged by the earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015. EPA


Covering Nepal's earthquake of 2015 left me in awe of nature's fury


  • English
  • Arabic

February 13, 2023

The terrible tragedy that struck Turkey and Syria last week has left us aghast at the scale of death and destruction. What does it feel like to have the ground move beneath your feet and buildings collapse around you?

The news jolted me back a few years to being caught up in a terrifying earthquake in Nepal. It was my first – but not my last – close encounter with nature’s fury. I still remember the thunderbolts of fear and panic rolling through my body as I struggled to stand my ground on an agitated Earth.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, 2015, killing 10,000 people and injuring thousands more. The impact of the natural disaster on the impoverished country, wedged between India and China, was huge.

Hundreds of Nepal’s ancient and dilapidated buildings crumpled like a house of cards. Landslides wiped out entire villages. Millions were left homeless.

A young girl washes herself using plastic buckets of water in a camp set up on the outskirts of Kathmandu on September 24, 2015. Omar Havana / Xposure Photo Festival
A young girl washes herself using plastic buckets of water in a camp set up on the outskirts of Kathmandu on September 24, 2015. Omar Havana / Xposure Photo Festival

I landed in Kathmandu on May 9 to report on the aftermath of the quake. The idea was that I would travel around and file stories on how people were coping after a natural disaster of that scale. But little did I know that I was running into another earthquake.

On the evening of May 12, I was filing a story from my room on the third floor of a modest hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Suddenly, I felt my table and chair trembling. It started with a quiver but quickly turned into a shudder. I could feel the house moving as though someone had mounted the building on a swing.

Then it struck – a sudden jolt that rattled the entire structure. It was a second earthquake, this time of 7.3 magnitude. I grabbed my phone and laptop and lurched downstairs.

There was a torrent of people on the streets. Everyone was screaming and shouting from helplessness and panic. Then the ground beneath us shook again as two strong aftershocks hit. I let out a helpless screech, which was drowned out by the collective screams around me.

Anjana Sankar reporting from Nepal in 2015. Anjana Sankar / The National
Anjana Sankar reporting from Nepal in 2015. Anjana Sankar / The National

Buildings that withstood the first quake came crashing down. Dust and rubble covered the streets. People started clearing pieces of broken wood and concrete to pull out survivors. Some claimed to hear muffled cries from under a heap of concrete and wailing family members screamed for help. Stretchers and rescue workers sprang into action. It was a replay of the tragic events from two weeks earlier.

The Nepalese capital turned into a tent city overnight, as blue and yellow shelters sprang up everywhere. With a series of aftershocks continuing throughout the evening, it was clear that it was not safe for me to return to the hotel. As the night fell over the city, I found a spot in the compound of an official building, where hundreds of families had already camped out for the night.

Parks, playgrounds, footpaths, government buildings – every inch of open space was taken over as the whole city bent to the whims of nature. But the ordeal was not over.

I was fast asleep when I was awakened by a shrill howling from the trees above us. Until then, they had been standing gracefully quiet, providing a protective green canopy over our heads. Crows started cawing ceaselessly, shattering any semblance of a quiet night. I could hear a distant rumble coming closer, like a muffled roar underground.

The Nepalese capital turned into a tent city overnight, as blue and yellow shelters sprang up everywhere

Sleep-weary residents woke up in panic, clutching their families together. They had had enough. But the Earth was not done yet. It jolted again and again with pent-up fury, as though wanting to shake all humans off. No one slept that night. Staying awake was the only way to feel safe.

I wanted to jump on a plane and run to the safety of my home in Dubai. Instead, the journalist in me took a plane the next day to Lukla, the most dangerous airstrip in the world.

Lukla is a tiny Himalayan settlement almost 2,900 metres above the sea level, which acts as the most popular starting point for trekkers going to Mount Everest. The earthquake had triggered an avalanche on the world’s highest mountain, killing 18 climbers and leaving hundreds trapped under the ice and snow.

But the half-hour flight from Kathmandu to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is no less dangerous than summiting the world’s highest peak.

At just 526 metres, the airport runway is extremely short. It is also surrounded by high terrain to the north and a steep valley to the south. The weather is notoriously difficult to predict and there is no room for error. Only small aircraft or helicopters with highly skilled pilots can land in the high-altitude airport with low visibility. I made it after a nerve-racking touchdown at the stunningly picturesque village.

The streets and lodges that were once buzzing with trekkers looked deserted. The Sherpas who earned their livelihood working as guides for expedition groups were pushed to penury after the earthquake. I headed to a nearby Sherpa village to interview families who had to bear the economic brunt of the tragedy. But it was a different story that was waiting to be told.

I was standing in front of the little mud houses and chatting with some women when the majestic peaks around us gave out a thunderous roar. I looked up and could see large balls of loose rock rolling down straight at us. We were caught up in another series of aftershocks that rocked the valley.

People started running helter-skelter for cover. But there was none. We were surrounded by mountains and exposed to the torrent of rocks coming at us from all sides. Someone grabbed my hand and we ran, knowing there was nowhere to run. When the Earth turns hostile, there is no choice but surrender and plead for mercy. We laid down on the bare earth, pinning us to its bosom, praying it would stop. And it finally did.

When an earthquake strikes, it is not just the slipping of the tectonic plates that happen. It alters the life of people caught up in the seismic shift for years to come. People who have survived can carry the trauma for the rest of their lives. As 70-year-old Pasang Sherpa told me: “If you cannot trust Mother Earth, who else would you?”

FFP EXPLAINED

What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.

What the rules dictate? 
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.

What are the penalties? 
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

Squads

India: Kohli (c), Rahul, Shaw, Agarwal, Pujara, Rahane, Vihari, Pant (wk), Ashwin, Jadeja, Kuldeep, Shami, Umesh, Siraj, Thakur

West Indies: Holder (c), Ambris, Bishoo, Brathwaite, Chase, Dowrich (wk), Gabriel, Hamilton, Hetmyer, Hope, Lewis, Paul, Powell, Roach, Warrican, Joseph

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

THE 12 BREAKAWAY CLUBS

England

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus

Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%2C%20Manal%20Khader%2C%20Amer%20Daher%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Elia%20Suleiman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Despacito's dominance in numbers

Released: 2017

Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon

Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube

Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification

Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.

Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Opening Rugby Championship fixtures: Games can be watched on OSN Sports
Saturday: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 1pm (UAE)
Sunday: South Africa v Argentina, Port Elizabeth, 11pm (UAE)

APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)

Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits

Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine

Storage: 128/256/512GB

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4

Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps

Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID

Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight

In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter

Price: From Dh2,099

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

NBA FINALS SO FAR

(Toronto lead 3-2 in best-of-seven series)

Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109

Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109

Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123

Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105

Game 5 Raptors 105 Warriors 106

Game 6 Thursday, at Oakland

Game 7 Sunday, at Toronto (if needed)

Gifts exchanged
  • King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
  • Queen Camilla -  Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
  • Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
  • Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
One in four Americans don't plan to retire

Nearly a quarter of Americans say they never plan to retire, according to a poll that suggests a disconnection between individuals' retirement plans and the realities of ageing in the workforce.

Experts say illness, injury, layoffs and caregiving responsibilities often force older workers to leave their jobs sooner than they'd like.

According to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, 23 per cent of workers, including nearly two in 10 of those over 50, don't expect to stop working. Roughly another quarter of Americans say they will continue working beyond their 65th birthday.

According to government data, about one in five people 65 and older was working or actively looking for a job in June. The study surveyed 1,423 adults in February this year.

For many, money has a lot to do with the decision to keep working.

"The average retirement age that we see in the data has gone up a little bit, but it hasn't gone up that much," says Anqi Chen, assistant director of savings research at the Centre for Retirement Research at Boston College. "So people have to live in retirement much longer, and they may not have enough assets to support themselves in retirement."

When asked how financially comfortable they feel about retirement, 14 per cent of Americans under the age of 50 and 29 per cent over 50 say they feel extremely or very prepared, according to the poll. About another four in 10 older adults say they do feel somewhat prepared, while just about one-third feel unprepared. 

"One of the things about thinking about never retiring is that you didn't save a whole lot of money," says Ronni Bennett, 78, who was pushed out of her job as a New York City-based website editor at 63.

She searched for work in the immediate aftermath of her layoff, a process she describes as akin to "banging my head against a wall." Finding Manhattan too expensive without a steady stream of income, she eventually moved to Portland, Maine. A few years later, she moved again, to Lake Oswego, Oregon. "Sometimes I fantasise that if I win the lottery, I'd go back to New York," says Ms Bennett.

 

What is type-1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.

It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.

Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.

Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.

Dubai World Cup Carnival card

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m

7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m

8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m

The National selections:

6.30pm - Ziyadd; 7.05pm - Barney Roy; 7.40pm - Dee Ex Bee; 8.15pm - Dubai Legacy; 8.50pm - Good Fortune; 9.25pm - Drafted; 10pm - Simsir

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000

Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:

1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor

Power: 843hp at N/A rpm

Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km

On sale: October to December

Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)

Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20OneOrder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20March%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tamer%20Amer%20and%20Karim%20Maurice%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cairo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E82%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Series%20A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
The Bio

Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride

She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.

Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years

Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves

She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in

MATCH INFO

Inter Milan v Juventus
Saturday, 10.45pm (UAE)
Watch the match on BeIN Sports

Updated: February 15, 2023, 6:30 AM