Dammar Kumari Khatri, a 63-year-old resident of Halchaur in Nalgad Municipality-8, Jajarkot, has been enduring life under a tarpaulin tent since her home was destroyed by the November 3 earthquake. As a widow with asthma and no immediate family nearby, she finds herself in a precarious situation. Khatri, like many other single women affected by the disaster, struggles to access reconstruction aid due to administrative oversights. She wasn’t aware of the need to register for assistance, and without a male presence in her household, she feels increasingly vulnerable amidst the ongoing crisis.
The plight of single women like Durga Kumari Singh and Lakshmi Singh underscores the challenges faced by those without familial support structures. Durga, aged 75, awaits promised aid but is uncertain about her ability to construct a shelter alone. Lakshmi, burdened with caring for her family, struggles to initiate the rebuilding process despite receiving financial assistance. Their narratives reflect a broader trend of single women and families with no male members being left behind in the reconstruction efforts.
Ram Prasad Khatri, a local resident, highlights the collective struggle of single women in his village to rebuild their lives post-earthquake. Despite receiving initial aid, logistical hurdles prevent them from starting construction projects. Ward chair Bhabindra Bahadur Singh acknowledges the dire situation, citing a shortage of manpower and resources in earthquake-affected areas. The statistics reveal a glaring gap between aid distribution and actual progress in rebuilding temporary shelters, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.
The response from district authorities indicates ongoing efforts to address the crisis, with a focus on prioritizing the elderly, single women, and vulnerable families. However, challenges persist in accurately identifying and supporting those in need. Despite significant funds disbursed for reconstruction, the pace of progress remains slow, raising concerns about the welfare of displaced populations. As efforts continue to accelerate shelter construction, the plight of single women in earthquake-affected regions underscores the importance of targeted support and inclusive disaster relief initiatives.
