Rebecca Calder

On the 25th of April, 2015, a massive 7.8 earthquake hit Nepal. The scale of the devastation is only now becoming apparent. 

Langtang village was entirely wiped out by ice and rock avalanches triggered by the earthquake.

Langtang was a small village of about 400 inhabitants. Everyone knew each other, and many were related. At the time of the earthquake, Gyalbu was working in the fields with his family and neighbours. As rocks plummeted down the mountain, Gyalbu turned and, seeing the danger, threw his body over the people closest to him, shielding them from the deadly rocks. Gyalbu survived, but was seriously injured in his back and head. That Gyalbu was a complete hero comes as no surprise to those who know him. He is a generous and gentle family man, struggling to put his 5 daughters through school. He is a warm and welcoming host, having welcomed many Western trekkers travelling through the valley, into his home. And he is a courageous and dependable guide, leading both experienced climbers and nervous trekkers through the mountains surrounding Langtang.

Langtang after the earthquake.

Less than a week ago this was a bustling village.

As a result of his injuries, Gyalbu was carried, then flown by helicopter, unconscious, to Kathmandu, where he underwent surgery. He is alive, but still in a serious condition. Even more miraculous is that his wife, Karsang, his five daughters, his sister, Karsom, brother-in-law, Dawa, and their children, are also alive. But they have lost everything, together with the other 30 - 40 people from Langtang village who are still alive. There is an urgent present need over the next few months to support these families with food, water, clothing, fuel and on-going medical attention for those, like Gyalbu, who are badly injured.

Gyalbu and his family 

Gyalbu with one of his daughters

In the short term we need to ensure that Gyalbu and his family and friends have the means to survive. 

In the longer term, we will be raising money for the reconstruction efforts.

Please like and share this page.

And if you would like to make a contribution to these efforts, please do so into the following PayPal account: 

timfromnepal@yahoo.co.uk

100% of all funds raised will be used for the direct support of Gyalbu and his family, and other Langtang village families who have been affected. There are NO overhead costs related to this appeal