Okay, hear’s a breakdown of the key details from the provided text, categorized for clarity. This summarizes the situation at Kathmandu airport and the broader context surrounding it:
1. The Situation at Kathmandu Airport:
* Crowds: The airport was extremely crowded with thousands of people trying to leave the country. people were joining the crowds “slowly but gradually.”
* Flight Delays/Resumptions: Many flights were initially delayed, with at least 9 flights waiting for takeoff to destinations like Doha, Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong as of 7:45 pm.Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet had resumed flights to/from Nepal on Thursday. The last Air India flight to New Delhi had departed earlier in the day.
* Security: The airport was heavily secured by the Nepalese army,surrounding the entrance.
* Emotional Scene: The atmosphere was emotionally charged, with people wearing national flags, receiving garlands for their journey, couples hugging farewell, and a general sense of relief and anxiety.
2. Why People Were Trying to Leave:
* Political Instability/Violence: The text implies recent unrest and violence in Nepal,causing people to want to evacuate. There were reports of protests turning violent, vehicles being burned, and a general descent into “chaos.”
* Migrant Workers: A significant number of people were migrant workers hoping to return to their jobs abroad (Saudi Arabia,Malaysia,etc.). Their livelihoods depend on working overseas and sending money home.
* Impact of Social Media Ban: the recent ban on social media apps was particularly disruptive for migrant workers, as they rely on these apps for communication with family and for financial transactions.
* Foreign Tourists/Residents: Foreigners were also trying to leave, feeling unsafe due to the violence.
3. Personal Stories & Perspectives:
* Namrat Basnet (36,Mechanic): A migrant worker returning to Saudi Arabia,he highlighted the importance of social media for Nepali citizens dependent on remittances. He was relieved the ban was lifted.
* Vijay Kumar Mandal (25, Laborer): Returned to Nepal from Malaysia two years ago and was trying to get to Saudi Arabia with friends. They faced hardship with cancelled flights and had to find temporary shelter. He expressed the challenging choice between protesting corruption and providing for his family.
* Alex (UK Resident, Dubai-based): A frequent visitor to Nepal, he described the fear and uncertainty of being trapped in the conflict, noting this was the first time he’d experienced such chaos in 14 trips.
4. The Broader Security Situation in Kathmandu:
* Tense but Controlled: The army reported the situation as tense but with no major violence at the time of reporting.
* Guarded Installations: The army was guarding vital infrastructure: hotels, oil companies, hospitals, malls, fuel stations, and grocery stores.
* Movement Restrictions: Movement was restricted, with the army primarily allowing ambulances and foreign travelers to pass.People were advised to stay home or in their hotels.
* Hope for Improvement: There was an expectation that the situation would improve the following day.
in essence, the text paints a picture of a country in turmoil, with its citizens – particularly migrant workers and foreigners – desperately trying to escape the unrest and uncertainty. It highlights the economic reliance on migrant labor and the disruption caused by the political situation and the social media ban.
