Survivor recalls deadly earthquake

The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale - claiming more than 9000 lives and injuring in excess of 20,000 people.

By Jessica Anstice

After experiencing a disastrous earthquake in Nepal five years ago, a Berwick university student is drawing on his experience to help others through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Federation University international student Pranaya Lohani, who is studying a Master of Social Work, has been working tirelessly to provide support and advice to fellow students at the Berwick campus.

In 2015, the now 27-year-old went through what majority of Australians could never even imagine.

It was a cold, dark and rainy Saturday morning on 25 April in Kathmandu – a very unusual occurrence as it was summer in Nepal.

“I had never experienced that before. It was almost as if the signs were there since that morning about what was going to occur at 11:56 am,” he remembered.

“I was about to have my lunch when all of a sudden, I felt this movement and I looked over at my mum, who was on the phone. We stared at each other and felt it could be one of those small tremors that would pass eventually.

“Nonetheless, we wanted to go out in the open space just to be secure. As we reached the stairs, there was this tremendous force and movement which made us both sit in an instant and hold on to each other.”

Mr Lohani recalled the force and sway from left to right lasting for almost a minute but feeling like an eternity.

“My mum was praying and I was holding her tightly. When it finally stopped, we made our way out in the open fields and the neighbours had just started to gather,” he said.

“The expression on their faces is something I can never get out of my head. It was just blank and no one could muster any words.

“I called my dad, brother and other members of my family and friends to make sure that they were safe. It was surreal to be in that moment and to have experienced that.”

“My mum was praying and I was holding her tightly.”

As the first few hours following the earthquake passed by, Mr Lohani said every individual member of his community were out when the aftershock started to rumble.

However, he said the younger community members handled the situation calmly and ensured everyone was safe and accounted for.

It was later reported that the earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale – claiming more than 9000 lives and injuring in excess of 20,000 people.

“The period after the earthquake is what made me proud to be a citizen of my nation. The unity and the camaraderie among the Nepalese in that time of despair was quite emotional indeed,” he added.

“No matter which age group you belonged to, there were helping hands everywhere. No matter what your background was, you pitched in with whatever you had.

“I was also involved in distributing relief materials to the affected individuals and community as were numerous NGOs, INGOs and other humanitarian organisations and groups.”

Mr Lohani said the traumatic experience taught him something very valuable in life.

“It taught me that you need to be strong in the tough times and in the moments of hardship or struggle, you are not alone,” he said.

“The tough times will definitely pass.”

Pranaya Lohani believes his experience of the natural disaster had equipped him to help others experiencing difficulty during the pandemic.

In February 2019, Mr Lohani moved to Australia and has since been living on campus at Berwick’s Federation University.

Mr Lohani believes his experience of the natural disaster had equipped him to help others experiencing difficulty during the pandemic.

In addition to offering door-to-door support and advice to students on campus as a trained residential advisor, Mr Lohani is among students and staff who volunteer at the campus’s community pantry, which provides food, groceries and access to support services to students.

“It has been a particularly difficult time for many students, especially those who began their studies this year,” Mr Lohani said.

“I have been going door-to-door to offer support to students who are trying to find work after losing their jobs, or who might just need some words of advice.”

“I feel that I’m in a good position to offer my support, having experienced disaster when a massive earthquake occurred in Nepal in 2015.”

The community pantry was opened to all domestic and international students this month, after operating for residential students since May.

The community pantry was opened to all domestic and international students this month, after operating for residential students since May.

“During these times, I think it is important that we are there for each other,” he added.

It is supported by Federation University, Berwick charity and community groups including Foodbank Victoria, Crossway LifeCare and members of the Sikh community.

Students are welcome to visit the campus to access grocery items and support between 11am and 1pm every Friday, maintaining social distancing in line with restrictions in Melbourne.

Safe hygiene practises are practised within the pantry and all items are wiped down to ensure student safety.

“Recent months have been challenging for international and domestic students, but it has been wonderful to see the way that the university and wider community have come together to support students in need,” Berwick campus head Kathy Racunica said.

The community pantry is among the practical and financial support initiatives available to students experiencing difficulty as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.