In the aftermath of another major earthquake in Nepal, award-winning photographer Adam Lee reminisces his unforgettable journey across the country and encourages all to help in rebuilding this beautiful land.
“With its heavenly landscape and stunning heritage sites, Nepal is a photographer’s dream destination,” wrote Adam Lee, AirAsia’s resident photographer. “It is undeniably magical.”
But disaster struck on 24 April 2015, when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake wrought tremendous destruction in Kathmandu and beyond. The death toll has risen to 8,000 and counting, with nearly 18,000 injured and hundreds still missing. The vast majority of the heritage sites have also been damaged, with many structures flattened to rubble. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake on 12 May 2015 has also killed dozens more, raising new fears of aftershocks in the country and further complicating relief efforts.
Those who have visited Nepal know that there is much more to it beyond the images of fallen bricks and levelled concrete that have been all over the news in the past few weeks. Lee shot this series of photos in Kathmandu and Pokhara in 2012 for travel 3Sixty°. “Now, it serves as a haunting reminder that we live a very fragile world–nothing lasts forever.”
Given the scale and Nepal’s remote mountainous location, it will take time to rebuild and recover from the earthquakes. In the weeks following the initial disaster, AirAsia provided NGOs with free flights to Kathmandu. As relief efforts are underway, it is time to look ahead and find long-term solutions.
AirAsia Foundation (AAF) has partnered with Open Learning Exchange (OLE) Nepal for To Nepal With Love, a campaign to raise funds for the repair of schools. OLE spearheads the One Laptop Per Child programme, which gives students connectivity and the chance to learn even under difficult circumstances. The latest campaign aims to ensure a safe learning space for students so that their education can continue.
From 6 to 22 May 2015, guests on AirAsia flights can give cash via donation boxes onboard. The public can also donate online at AAF’s donation page.
Do your part and help the youth of Nepal secure a better future. Give now at airasiafoundation.com/relieffund.
More gadget review in www.38today.com.
