Devastated Nepal Turns to Solar Power

Last month, Nepal was hit by the worst ever earthquake (recorded at 7.8 on the Richter scale) killing thousands and leaving tens of thousands of others homeless. The homeless have taken shelter in the tent settlements. The electric transmission lines have gone down, and after sunset the people are plunged into darkness. Cooking and any other activities are near impossible after dark.

In such a situation, solar lights have come to the rescue. In response to the plight of the victims, the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) has rushed 11,000 plastic sheets and 4,000 solar-powered lanterns from its warehouse in Damak, eastern Nepal, to the eastern hilly districts of Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga and Sindhuli, according to the UNHCR’s report.

According to UNHCR Geneva, an additional 8,000 plastic sheets and 4,000 solar lamps are being flown to Kathmandu from Dubai on a cargo flight provided free of charge by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The plastic sheets will be used to construct or repair shelters and the lamps will provide light at night.

Help is reaching Nepal from different parts of the world, according to Reneweconomy news. A one-of-a- kind solar tent pole made by the Queensland-based Australian company, Doble Outdoors has been shipped to Nepal as part of the earthquake relief effort, to provide shelter, light and power. The solar tent pole is a fully patented technology and is a finalist for this year’s Australian Design Awards. The tent is composed of built-in LEDs, built-in batteries and is topped with a solar panel.

Solar lights and other solar energy products are effective to provide immediate relief to victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters.