Great Earthquake in Nepal April 25th, 2015; Response and Support Documentary (Video)

April 25^th, 2015

On April 25^th, 2015, a devastating earthquake with the magnitude of 7.8 struck Nepal. Over 8500 people died and over 20,000 people were injured. The destruction was catastrophic and many treasured historical sites, temples and shrines were reduced to rubble.  Our sincere sympathy to all of the victims of this tragic disaster in Nepal.

The Nepal Army Ranger Aikido Instructor Training Unit’s Head Instructor-AHAN Nippon Kan General Headquarter Founder and Chief Instructor Gaku Homma Kancho was alerted of the disaster.

Hours after the earthquake, communication was established between the Nepal Army Rangers and AHAN General Headquarters in Denver; first through international news sources and social media before direct communications were established. AHAN Headquarters readied and stood by to assist in any way needed. The Nepal Rangers sheltered 400 earthquake victims at the ANTC (AHAN Nepal Training Center) on base immediately following the earthquake,  and there were to be thousands more to follow.

The following documentary chronicles events in Nepal after the earthquake from reports received by Nepal staff and Homma Kancho’s personal experiences on the ground in Kathmandu one week after the initial earthquake. Reports from Nepal were supplied by WO2 Dhan Gurung, Nippon Kan 3^rd degree black belt, 2014 official Nippon Kan Headquarters Uchideshi Graduate. WO2 Gurung was sent officially by the Nepalese Army to attend the Nippon Kan uchideshi program in Denver in 2014 of which he graduated with honors. WO2 Gurung has practiced Aikido for 8 years and serves as the Nepal Army Ranger Instructor Volunteer AHAN Coordinator. In this position, WO2 Gurung is officially in charge of the Nepal Ranger AHAN WWY programs developed in response to the earthquake of April 25^th, 2015.

WO2 Gurung has serve with the United Nations as a peace keeper PKO in many countries worldwide including Sierra Leon and  Sudan.

---

 

DOCUMENTARY

April 25^th, 2015 11:56 AM

Earthquake strikes Nepal. After receiving the news, Nippon Kan General Headquarters begins collecting information and support preparations begin. Homma Kancho works with requests for needed supplies and begins assembling supplies to transport personally to Nepal.

April 29^th, 2015- Day 4

4 days after the earthquake, Homma Kancho leaves the United States for Japan to continue collecting supplies; standing by for first chance to enter Nepal.

May 4^th, 2015- Day 10

Homma Kancho Arrives in Kathmandu

Homma Kancho is met by the Nepal Army Rangers after arriving in Kathmandu to deliver over 200 kilo of supplies. Construction masks, construction gloves, rubber gloves, diarrhea and antibiotic medicines, blue sheets for tents, bandages and other material support.  Homma Kancho also hand-delivered a personal monetary donation along with funds raised by AHAN supporters to assist directly with Nepal victim relief.

The effects of earthquake were devastating in Nepal and chaos reigned in the days to follow. Emergency supplies and personal began pouring into Kathmandu from all over the world; so much aid, many good intentions but an overwhelming effort to organize. Worldwide media arrived to provide commentary, broadcasting complaints about the organization of relief supplies and personnel. Organizing an explosion of arriving materials with damaged processing and communication systems, roads and a hampered military is not an easy task. The media making judgments from the sidelines I believe was unfair.

I would like to take a minute to share my support and eye-witness understanding of the situation the military faced in those first few weeks after the earthquake in Nepal.

The Nepalese Army sprang into action minutes after the earthquake struck. Day and night, around the clock, soldiers performed rescue operations, sifting through tons of rubble left from the earthquake without rest. The confusion was uncontrollable. Along with the logistical problems the military faced due to the horrific damage caused by the earthquake, the international rescue personnel dispatched to Nepal to bring aid brought with them burdens of their own.  Some of these international teams treated the rescue operations like a competition, each vying to claim they were the “first to arrive”. Many of the teams demanded so many resources from the Nepalese government and military that they themselves became a burden that slowed down military operations.

One international team of rescue volunteers was actually caught looting in the mountain areas they were assigned to support and the Nepal Rangers spent time and resources covering security concerns as well as rescue operations.

The Rangers reported traveling deep into the mountain areas carrying little in rations for themselves. In every village they passed, victims asked for food. The Rangers shared their own rations with the villagers, leaving themselves to survive finally on only dry biscuits and dry instant ramen noodles.

I write to underscore the heroic efforts of the Nepalese military personnel; efforts that in many cases were excoriated by the international press.

I traveled personally with AHAN Nepal Ranger staff and military nurses to outlying village areas to deliver supplies directly to survivors for continued survival. In the villages I was struck by how surprisingly calm the villagers remained; helping each other to survive the catastrophe. The villagers were worried about continuing aftershocks and not wanting to be trapped inside by another earthquake had made temporary outdoor shelters out of tarps and bamboo.

We arrived at a village to deliver supplies and were soon surrounded by residents who gathered for supplies. As we stood going over the directions for some of the medications, an amazing event occurred; two baby goats were born right there in the middle of the crowd of gathered villagers! The happy laughter of the people echoed against the surrounding mountains, reminding us all that life does go on…

Nepal Earthquake; Power in Revival

The recovery in Nepal will be a long term endeavor. AHAN Nippon Kan and Nepal Ranger Volunteers spent many hours in discussion about how best to assist in this recovery for Nepal and all of her citizens.

Report by
Gaku Homma
Nippon Kan Kancho

May 15^th, 2015- Day 20

Support for Rangers in Need

Donations for Rangers distributed

On his first visit to Nepal immediately after the earthquake Homma Kancho left a personal donation of funds for the Nepal Rangers themselves to aid their own families. This donation was distributed to Nepal Ranger Aikido Instructor Cadets whose families had been affected by the earthquake. Some had lost family members, homes and property yet they all stayed at their posts to complete their assigned mission rescuing others. 32 Rangers received funds from this donation by Homma Kancho.

Still now, many of these soldiers have not been able to return home to attend to the damage in their own lives. All of the Rangers give a special thank you to Homma Kancho.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

May 22^nd, 2015- Day 28

Installation of New Water Treatment System Begins

Construction begins on new water treatment system

After the earthquake, over 2000 people took refuge on the Nepal Ranger base in Kathmandu. The base was equipped with wells for water, but with such a large influx of new residents it soon became evident that there would not be enough clean drinking water for so many. Homma Kancho personally provided the funds for the procurement of a new water treatment system for the Ranger base and in late May the installation began. When completed, the new water treatment system will be able to provide clean water to over 2000 more people on base. We plan to have finished the installation by June 30^th.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

May 28^th, 2015 Day 34

Support Projects for Children; Victims of the Earthquake Discussed

It has been about one month since the initial earthquake and rescue operations have now moved into a recovery phase.

June is the beginning of the rainy season in Nepal and mudslides are a concern in rural areas. Now is not a time to relax. This earthquake brought so many stories of tragedy and many valuable lives were lost.

The loss of the US Military helicopter sent by the US for emergency support was most tragic and heartfelt by all.

Most of the Nepal Rangers have now been called back to base and the Ranger Aikido Instructor Cadets have a little time in between their regular duties. There are many children now living on base that have survived a very traumatic experience. The Ranger Instructors have begun to teach these children Aikido on base at the ANTC. Many of these soldiers are married and have families of their own back home; some who have lost their own family members. It is heartwarming to see these “strong hero Rangers” working together to comfort and heal the hearts of the children on base in the aftermath of this tragedy.

Homma Kancho is working on an outline for a new program for Ranger support of these children as part of our AHAN based civilian children support efforts.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

June 24^th, 2015     Day 59

Homma Kancho’s Second Visit to Nepal

Second trip- supply delivery

From AHAN Nippon Kan General Headquarters- 1000 masks, 500 pairs of construction gloves, a Makita power concrete cutter, 53 rock climbing helmets and more were hand-carried and delivered to the Rangers in Kathmandu by Homma Kancho who arrived for his second visit since the earthquake on June 24th.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

June 25^th, 2015     Day 60

When the earthquake first struck, over 8000 people took shelter on the Nepal Ranger base. By the end of June, over 2000 still remain. AHAN Nippon Kan General Headquarters and AHAN Nepal Ranger Instructor volunteers supplied and served a meal to over 1,200 people on base this day. Many of the Rangers just returning from difficult recovery missions throughout Nepal also joined in this special meal as a treat for all of their very hard work.

 

All refugees enjoy a tasty hot meal together. AHAN Nepal Ranger Volunteers serving.

Report by
Gaku Homma
Nippon Kan Kancho

June 26^th, 2015 Day 61

AHAN Nepal Ranger WWY Projects Begin:

Official Inauguration of the AHAN Nepal WWY (We’re with You) Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On this second visit to Nepal after the earthquake, Homma Kancho oversaw the launching of AHAN Nepal Ranger support projects. The first focusing on the children survivors of the earthquake still suffering from trauma and loss and second, a meal service project for citizens in need of support overlooked by larger support operations. On June 26^th, 2015 the opening ceremony was held to launch the new AHAN Nepal Ranger WWY (We’re with You) Project on the Nepal Army Ranger base in Kathmandu.

One defining principle of the WWY Youth Project is to avoid dependence on outside support. After the earthquake, emergency aid materials poured into Nepal; so many goods were contributed internationally that in some ways they had a negative effect on the daily lives of the Nepalese people. Aid is important in an emergency situation but the interruption of peoples own sense of self productivity and independent spirit is a grave danger. Protecting against dependence on outside support is a top priority for the Nepal Ranger WWY Youth programs launched on this day. Encouragement of independence, self reliance and preparedness is the goal of the many different training avenues of the WWY Youth Program.

The WWY Food Service Project will serve communities in Nepal that have received little aid if any. When international aid arrived in Nepal, help tended to focus in areas with the best photo opportunities or the most convenient places for international coverage.  The WWY Food Service Project will serve meals to orphanages, senior centers, outlying rural communities and others who have received neither aid nor publicity. This project will be executed for one year, until the anniversary of the date of the earthquake-April 25^th, 2016. At this time this program will be evaluated and adjusted as current need dictates.

The WWY Youth Project is supported financially by AHAN Nippon Kan General Headquarters and Mr. and Mrs. Kizaki, owners of Sushi Den Restaurant in Denver; one of the most famous sushi restaurants in the United States. The WWY Meal Service Project is also supported by AHAN Nippon Kan General Headquarters and Aikido Kobayashi Dojo, Japan, lead by Yasuo Kobayashi Soshihan. (http://www.kobayashi-dojo.com/english/)  Yasuo Kobayashi Sensei raised funds through his instructors and students in Japan and presented the donation in person to Homma Kancho in Denver in early June 2015. 100% of these funds will go directly to the support of these projects in Nepal.

Donations have also been received from Domo Restaurant, private donors, Nippon Kan students and friends.

Report by
Gaku Homma
Nippon Kan Kancho

July 4^th, 2015 Day 70

WWY Youth Program T-shirt distribution

Early morning jogging and exercises for the  WWY youth members

The first WWY Youth Project class of 80 children received their WWY t-shirts today. Most of these children are still living on the Ranger base with their families. WWY shirts are awarded for effort, attendance and merit-30 days participation in the WWY Youth Program activities.

The children learn that they can help too in the recovery; building a sense of personal strength.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

July 8^th, 2015        Day 74

Earthquake Epicenter WWY Meal Service

Over 5000 people died in the earthquake in this area so close to the epicenter about 90 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu in the Sindhupalchok region. WWY meal service for approximately 200  villagers were distributed in this remote area.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

July 22^nd, 2015      Day 102

WWY Meal Service Report

150 meals served at three facilities in the Kathmandu area.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

August 15^th, 2015 Day 126

WWY Youth Program Activities Grow

As the AHAN Nepal Ranger Coordinator, I and all of the Ranger Instructor volunteers have been very dedicated in our support of the WWY Youth Project and the programs are developing well. This project does not only lift the spirits of the children, it spreads a strong message of hope and energy to families and other adults in their world. This project has been good for the spirits of both the Nepal Rangers and the civilian community with an increasing mutual understanding and mutual benefit; we are all rebuilding together. The children in the program are now working on drills, Aikido training, physical exercises, volunteer activities and emergency medical training to build their spirits and confidence.

Report
WO Dhan Gurung

September 3^rd, 2015       Day 145

WWY Meal Service for Senior Citizens

A WWY meal service was held at a shelter for abandoned seniors in Kathmandu. About 200 meals were served. Complying with facility policy at the shelter, photos were only allowed to be taken in limited areas.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

September 6^th,      Day 148

WWY Youth Project “Radio Exercise”

Anytime, anywhere, anyone can do this very popular Japanese exercise sequence called “Radio Exercise”. Now this training has been incorporated into the WWY Youth Program daily training.

Radio Exercises originated in the USA over 90 years ago as an exercise program for the American Life Insurance Company. These exercises were originally performed to a particular song with a voice over  coach calling out the exercise sequences. After WW2, in Occupied Japan, US Commanders adopted Radio Exercises as a national exercise program. At a designated time, Radio Exercise music and instructions were broadcast in every school, office, public building, business and park throughout all of Japan. Still today in Japan, Radio Exercise is performed early each morning especially by senior citizens as part of their daily routine.    

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

September 11^th, 2015      Day 173

WWY Youth Project Emergency First Aid Training

One of the new courses of the WWY Youth Project taught by the Nepal Ranger Instructor volunteers is emergency first aid training. The children are taught how to keep calm in case of emergency and administer immediate first aid until adult medical attention arrives. This part of the children’s basic training helps the children overcome feelings of helplessness and gives them confidence should another emergency situation arise.

Report by

WO2 Dhan Gurung

September 12^th,    Day 174

WWY Meal Service Project Report

The WWY meal service for September was served at three local orphanages in Kathmandu. Over 200 meals in total were served. Two of the locations did not permit photos to be taken.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

The Great Nepal Earthquake April 25th, 2015: Immediate Response-Enduring Support.

---

Homma Kancho’s Visit to Nepal Ranger K1 Base

June 25^th, 2015

This visit to Nepal in June is Homma Kancho’s third visit to Nepal this year. As part of AHAN Nippon Kan Active Response Team support, Homma Kancho visited the K1 Military Training Unit in Bhaktapur for student and instructor practice evaluation.

This K1 Unit was very active in earthquake rescue efforts after the initial earthquake on April 25^th and their heroic rescue efforts saved many lives.

There are many women in the K1 unit that practice Aikido. On this visit, Homma Kancho watched soldier Aikido and K1 training demonstrations performed in outdoor area covered with sand. Soon the rainy season will come and our practice must move inside. Homma Kancho has pledged to provide practice mats for an indoor training area for the K1 Unit so they may continue their practice.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

---

 

Nepal Ranger K1 Unit Mat Donation

Sept 12th, 2015

The Nepal Ranger K1 Rescue Unit is very well known for its expertise in mountain rescue and has a long and distinguished history. After the earthquake in April in Nepal, the Nepal Ranger K1 Unit and their trained canines worked tirelessly searching and rescuing victims buried in the rubble; earning a well deserved notoriety for the number of lives saved. Homma Kancho donated 50 practice mats to the K1 unit to continue their Aikido practice indoors as winter begins to set in. Homma Kancho joked, “These mats are not tasty treats for the dogs, but at least they will be a valuable gift for the soldiers to assist in their training”. Many thanks to Homma Kancho from all Nepal Ranger K1 soldiers.

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung

---

Down Syndrome Society of Nepal Mat Donation

Aug 10, 2015

On one of his last visits to Nepal, Homma Kancho visited the Down Syndrome Society of Nepal (DSSN) which is supported by AHAN Nippon Kan General Headquarters. Visiting the center, Homma Kancho noted that dojo training mats would be a great surface for the facility where the children could play safely. Homma Kancho made arrangements with WO2 Gurung for 50 mats to be purchased, delivered and installed.

Homma Kancho travels all over the world to teach Aikido and never receives payment of any kind for his teaching. If funds are raised by a seminar organized by local hosts, all proceeds are donated to a local community service project of the host dojo’s choosing. If Homma Kancho teaches in countries with lesser means, he provides the support himself for local assistance programs.

Homma Kancho has visited many orphanages and independent schools or support facilities for children with physical limitations and supports them personally with financial or material assistance. Homma Kancho has supported Down Syndrome facilities in the Czech Republic, Italy and Mexico. The DSSN is the only public facility in Nepal that services this special community and the AHAN Nepal Rangers privately provide much support for this organization.

The children at the DSSN are quite active and sometimes fall down. A good mat surface helps keep the children safe and prevents accidents and injuries. All of the parents were delighted and very appreciative of this new mat flooring for the center.

Report by
AHAN Nippon Kan Humanitarian Program Director
Emily Busch

---

AHAN Nippon Kan Nepal Rangers

Nepal Army Ranger Aikido Instructor Cadets that have graduated the Aikido Instructor training are now beginning to teach Aikido at Nepal Army bases all over Nepal. The following report was submitted from Nepal by WO2 Dhan Gurung, Nippon Kan 3^rd degree black belt, 2014 official Nippon Kan Headquarters uchideshi graduate. WO2 Gurung was sent officially by the Nepalese Army to attend the Nippon Kan uchideshi program in Denver of which he graduated with honors. WO2 Gurung has practiced Aikido for 8 years and serves as the Nepal Army Ranger Instructor Volunteer AHAN Coordinator.

Nepal Ranger K1 Unit Basic Aikido Practice
Report September 12^th, 2015

After the donation of practice mats, basic Aikido practice has begun indoors for the K1 Unit. With the seasons changing to fall signaling the coming of winter, the soldiers appreciate the new indoor practice area.

Mountain Garrison Aikido Training

Report August 28^th, 2015

After the initial Earthquake rescue and recovery missions began to wind down, time became available again for regular Aikido training. Practice has begun in even the smallest of garrisons. 4^th Kyu examinations were held at this outpost on August 28^th.

Military Police Basic Aikido Training
Report August 20^th, 2015
6:30 am to 10:00 am daily. 3 month course of concentrated practice

 

Teachers Appreciation Day
Report July 31^st, 2015

Today is Guru Purnima or Teacher Appreciation Day which is a national holiday in Nepal. WWY Youth Program students and instructors honored their teachers including Homma Kancho. After the ceremonies, there was cake and soda for all to celebrate!

 

Report by
WO2 Dhan Gurung
Graduate Nippon Kan Uchideshi
Nippon Kan Official Instructor