Local couple miss Nepal flood by days but witness aftermath

TIMING is everything, especially when disaster strikes.

Reports from Nepal show devastation and death, but there are amazing stories of survival, such as that of the school principal who evacuated 900 of his students with seconds to spare.

Bonville locals, Craig Melrose and Phillipa Maher, were not that close, but were in the area as part of their six-month journey through 15 countries.

They have sent messages to family and friends to advise that they are safe and have now been evacuated from the devastation of the floods.

Mr Melrose and Ms Maher travelled overland from Kathmandu to Tibet through the same valley that was hit by the flood just days before, and were supposed to be driving back the same way.

However, that road no longer exists, so they had to cut their tour of Tibet short and purchase flights.

Mr Melrose said that he has travelled extensively through 98 countries and that ‘highway’ was the worst road he has been on. He said the 150kms took 12 hours.

“There were five landslides along the way and at one stage we were trapped, with landslides both in front and behind us,” he said.

“We passed through the border control, which is shown on all the media releases – the largish building that was totally obliterated by the flood waters.

“Our tour of Tibet was marvellous and we were at Everest base camp on a clear morning with excellent views, but were devastated to hear of the flood that had occurred and prevented our return.

“I met a lovely chap from Brisbane called Tony on the way up the valley.

“He was to be returning about this time also so I just hope he is OK. There is no way of knowing.”

Mr Melrose said that accessing correct information was a problem because many social media outlets, such as Google, Facebook  and WhatsApp are banned in China.

“We were left with only one option and that is to fly out,” he said.

He said the only airline servicing that route, Himalayan Airlines, took advantage of the catastrophic situation and doubled the price of tickets, with the 85-minute flight costing $980 each, which was very disappointing to the travellers.

“At a time of national disaster when everyone else is trying to help, that an airline would put profits ahead of people’s welfare,” he said.

“We know for a fact that there were many local people doing a pilgrimage and that there is absolutely no way they could afford this flight.

“With the road being closed and up to a year to rebuild, they have no way home.

“Anyway, we are back and we are safe.”

By Andrew VIVIAN