Nepal Still Needs You

Jordan Grauer

With the focus of the 24-hour news media’s attention on Baltimore, the earthquake that struck Nepal April 25, destroying much of the capital city and resulting in an overwhelming number of casualties and injuries, has taken the back seat.  The 7.8-magnitude earthquake is the worst recorded in the region since an 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck in 1934.  Since then, population density in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, has risen, leading to 7,500 deaths and at least 14,500 injuries reported thus far. 

Neighboring India, Tibet and Bangladesh felt residual tremors from the earthquake.  The aftershock even caused an avalanche at Mt. Everest Basecamp, killing 19 and injuring at least 20 climbers.  The damage was caused by compressed air that was formed as a result of massive ice and snowfall, blowing debris toward the camp.  There were at least 100 climbers at base camp when the avalanche struck.  According to international news reports, some of the tents (with climbers still in them) were launched as far as 100 yards by the force of winds and snow.

This sudden tragedy has completely overwhelmed the Nepalese government.  With a relatively small army consisting of only 12 helicopters, it has been extremely difficult to bring support to the remote villages where people are without shelter or supplies.  The United Nations reported that the disaster has affected at least 8 million people and it is seeking a $415 million aid package to support victims.

One week before the earthquake, 50 scientists convened in Nepal to warn of the dangers that the city faces due to its proximity to a large seismic fault. The meeting was designed to begin planning to protect the city in case of disaster, but unfortunately the inevitable occurred much sooner than expected. 

Kathmandu is considered to be a high-risk area and is also a fast-growing city, however, the infrastructure did not reflect the safety standard needed to withstand large earthquakes.  With a huge percentage of the city shut down, collapsed, or destroyed completely, many citizens are sleeping on the pavement or in parks due to fear of more buildings collapsing.

The earthquake also destroyed many of Kathmandu’s historic heritage sites. Durbar Square — the site of an ancient palace and promenade — was reduced to rubble as a result of the earthquake.  The earthquake toppled Dharahara Tower, another UNESCO world heritage site.  The tower was originally built as a military watchtower and has since been a popular tourist attraction.  The nine-story tower collapsed during lunch hour, trapping dozens of tourists. 

Immediate and ongoing aid is essential to minimize the number of injuries, deaths, and displaced people.  If you are interested in donating to a charity in order to help victims in Nepal, there are many options accessible online or through social media.  InterAction.org provides a list of organizations with information regarding the specific aid that they intend to provide — since many organizations are raising money for future rebuilding as opposed to emergency supplies and immediate healthcare for victims.  

When Jordan isn't traveling, he is planning his next adventure.  Whether it is hiking in the Rockies, skiing in the Alps or paddle-boarding in the Everglades, Jordan travels to experience nature, culture and to make friends along the way.  One of Jordan's most memorable experiences is when he went spelunking in Budapest.

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Going Global: Awesome Australia

Meta Stange

Australia is home to many wonderful things, including, but not limited to, the Great Barrier Reef, incomparable surfing, adorable wildlife (kangaroos! koalas! wombats!), and the Hemsworth brothers. One thing that doesn’t receive quite as much press as a wonder of the world or hunky actors is the country’s music scene. A fresh, eclectic mix of artists is coming out of Australia right now, and you can check out five of my favorites below.

L D R U

L D R U, 21-year-old producer hailing from Sydney, has been making waves with his tropical-infused electronica for the past couple of years. His Soundcloud is comprised of exceptional remixes of other young acts, including BROODS, Flume, and Lorde, in addition to a handful of original tracks that demonstrate his ability to create solid tracks on his own. The laid-back vibe of his music is a perfect fit for the festival scene or a day chilling at the beach. Keep an eye out for this guy, he’s going places.

Northeast Party House

As their name implies, Melbourne’s Northeast Party House make infectious electro-pop about, well, parties. Their album Any Given Weekend, released last May, is a 10-track ode to the good, the bad, and the ugly of partying. They provide a refreshing edge to their indie-pop, relying heavily on synth, while also maintaining a hard-hitting rock backbone. I highly recommend blasting Any Given Weekend in preparation for any night out to ensure you get properly amped for the ups and downs that accompany a foray into the weird and wonderful world of partying.

Banff

Brisbane native Benjamin Forbes is Banff, a solo act that makes dreamy indie-pop, complete with twanging guitar and a soaring falsetto. Forbes has been a part of multiple projects in the past, so the sound he’s created as Banff is a culmination of his previous musical styles in addition to an influx of new sonic ideas, resulting in infectious feel-good songs. The two tracks available to stream on his Soundcloud leave the listener wanting more, so let’s hope Banff provides us with some new releases soon! 

Boy & Bear

Sydney based Boy & Bear has been making mellow folk-influenced indie music since 2009. The band’s Americana influences — represented most obviously by the twanging banjo and crashing tambourine — combined with their propensity for pop harmonies and hooks results in catchy alt-folk songs that keep fans around the world bobbing their heads and singing along. They’ve toured with the likes of Angus and Julia Stone, Laura Marling, and Mumford and Sons, but it’s just a matter of time until they’re headlining a stadium tour of their own.  

Courtney Barnett

Melbourne’s Courtney Barnett makes rad rock music that combines 60’s psychedelia with a hint of folk and a bit of 90’s grunge. The result? One of the strongest albums of early 2015. Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, Barnett’s debut LP, features 11 songs about the simple moments in life, reminding the listener that little things count too. Barnett alternates flawlessly between speaking and singing, creating a casual sound, perfect for summer days spent driving with the windows down. She has received a significant amount of positive attention from the critics, but it’s undeniable that she makes music for her, which is refreshing in our ratings-hungry age.

Looking for more Aussie bands to keep you groovin’ through the week? Check out Triple J to keep up to date with the music scene down under!

Meta went on her first trip before the age of two and has been infected with wanderlust ever since. Her dream is to live a nomadic lifestyle so she can experience all the world has to offer. She's addicted to music, coffee, and making really bad jokes.

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