People return to houses in quake-hit Nepal

Kathmandu, May 2: Most people in Kathmandu have moved back into their houses a week after a deadly earthquake rattled Nepal claiming over 6,300 lives and displacing millions, media reported on Saturday.

According to sources, the people said that they were feeling safe to shift into their houses as no major quake or aftershock has been felt in the last three days, Kantipur News reported.

However, thousands of others, whose houses have been completely damaged are still living in tents, vehicles and even under the open sky, while some are still reluctant to move to their homes, fearing another quake.

"The past week has been the hardest days of our lives. It is also becoming risky to live outside in tents due to health concerns. Many are feeling sick," Goma Shrestha, a resident from Kathmandu's Kalanki area said.

Occasional rainfall, coupled with poor food and sanitation in tents, have exposed people to diseases. Hospitals in Kathmandu have also witnessed a surge in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms.

Srestha and many of her relatives were staying under plastic tents for four nights. They had to live with little food and water as no relief assistance came from the government and other organisations.

Besides, nearly a million people living temporarily in Kathmandu city have returned to their villages.

IANS