Tent of Hope: Winterization tents restores hope in Laxmi
Written by Prachi Aryal
“There was nothing left of what we called home when we returned on November 4,” recalls Laxmi (28), who, along with her 18-month-old son, Roshan, was traveling when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Jajarkot and Rukum West on November 3.
“Our house was reduced to rubble, and we had no place to stay.” Laxmi and her husband set up a makeshift tent to protect themselves. “Inside the flimsy tent, I couldn’t sleep because I was afraid that there would be more earthquakes. But most importantly, I was worried about my son, who was mentally disturbed by what was going on around him.” Roshan, unfamiliar with staying outside in a tent, struggled to adjust to the change in environment. Laxmi shares, “Roshan used to look outside scared and used to cry, saying, ‘mami, baba, naigujiaaucha, bahira nai’ (Mommy, daddy, it's scary outside). I was scared too because the tent didn’t have any doors or protection.”
The plummeting weather started to affect Laxmi and her family. “It started getting too cold, and my son, Roshan, started developing a cough, flu symptoms, and a fever. The tent was not enough to protect us from the harsh cold. It was so cold that frost would seep through at night, leaving the blankets cold and wet,” exclaims Laxmi. “The only way we could stay warm was by burning firewood outside, but the smoke caused breathing problems for my son.”
Roshan’s health was deteriorating, and Laxmi was worried about her son’s well-being. “I realized that if we were to stay in the flimsy tent for long, something bad would happen to my son. But as if our prayers were answered, we received winterization tents,” shares Laxmi. To protect women, children, lactating mothers, and the elderly from the harsh weather and ensure their safety and well-being, Save the Children, through European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), distributed winterization tents to communities most impacted by the Jajarkot and Rukum West earthquake.
"The winterization tents have been a boon to us. It’s been so much easier to keep Roshan warm, his health is improving, and we feel safe inside,” says Laxmi.
The tent is equipped with double-layer protection that prevents frost and cold from seeping in and has a stove to insulate the rooms. “The winterization tent is like a ray of hope for people like us who had given up! I feel safe for myself and my son,” shares Laxmi. “My son, Roshan, likes staying inside the tent, and he is no longer afraid of sleeping in it because the tent is covered from all sides. It has zipper doors and is in a safe location. He is playful and more relaxed now.”
Laxmi mentions that it will take some time for her and her husband to build their house. But she is grateful that the winterization tents not only make them feel safe but also provide assurance that the high-quality tent will be there until they re-build their house. “Living inside the tent may not be the ideal choice for us, but for now, this tent is what keeps my family safe, sane, and protected.”
Aryal is the Digital Media Coordinator for Save the Children.
