Maya Gurung: A Young Survivor’s Journey in Nepal

Maya Gurung is only 10 but savvy for her age. She knows life in her mountain village will be difficult now. Her left leg was crushed by a boulder during the April 25 earthquake that devastated much of Nepal.

Bhim Bahadur Gurung tries to console his daughter, Maya, in her hospital bed in Kathmandu. He had to leave her during the trip from their village to make room in the rescue helicopter for other injured passengers.

Dami Gurung, Maya’s uncle, tried to save her from boulders that came crashing down during the April 25 earthquake.

Maya’s 5-year-old cousin Manisha was with her when the earthquake struck. She, too, was badly injured.

Maya with her father, Bhim Bahadur Gurung, and cousin Manisha at the Tribhuban University Teaching Hospital.

Maya is recovering well; however, it’s hard to say how she will fare once she returns home to her village in Nepal’s Gorkha District, where the terrain is hilly and medical facilities are basic.