A STUDENT who has recently returned to Dorset from Nepal has spoke of her experience of the two earthquakes and is urging people to continue donating to help the country and its people.

Sophie Grant-Foale from Dorchester has described her experience as 'one of luck and privilege'.

Sophie, 19, had been volunteering with Voluntary Service Overseas through an International Citizen Service on a youth project to improve livelihoods in rural villages for two and a half months when the first earthquake happened.

Sophie said: "We had arranged to meet in Kathmandu for our day off on Saturday April 25, so myself and most of the other volunteers met at an organic market.

"Just before midday the ground began to violently move and a friend clung to me as we were both thrown to the ground.

"When the 7.8 magnitude earthquake finally ended we discovered that unlike much of the Kathmandu, the area we were in did not suffer from serious structural damage.

"Fortunately, I was able to contact my family to reassure them before communications went down but this comfort was not available for many others.

"It was not until we moved to a nearby open space that we realised the extent of the damage and the long term effect this would have on the country.

"Cracks ran along the streets, buildings were reduced to rubble and bodies lay buried beneath.

"Although there was panic, I was struck by the sense of togetherness this event had instantly instilled.

"People reacted very differently; some were in shock, lots of people felt sea sick and many were anxious but all were looked after.

"The response of the Nepalese was never one of complaint or selfishness but instead compassion and resilience.

"The second earthquake has not only caused more physical destruction, but also triggered psychological trauma as Nepalese were left with a sense of powerlessness and uncertainty."

The volunteers were militarily escorted to the British Gurkha Camp where they stayed until they were able to get on an emergency flight home five days later.

Sophie told the Echo the most difficult part of the whole experience was being in a 'bubble of military calm' at the British camp when she knew of the devastation that lay behind the walls.

Sophie said: "When saying goodbye to one of our Nepalese friends, she said she was thankful that the UK volunteers were returning to a secure home and I wished the same could be said for them.

"This is now the reality of their lives and we should do everything we can to support them.

"I am relieved to be back, as are of course my friends and family, but we should not forget many are still immersed in this disaster."

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830985

e: meghan.hindley@dorsetecho.co.uk

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