9. After reading “Ground Zero,” write a description of a sight or scene that fascinated, surprised, or shocked you. Your description should explain why you were so deeply affected by what you saw.

Fallen of Dharahara

One place in Nepal that shocked and fascinated me was the site of the Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu. This tower was a tall, beautiful structure that had stood for many years and was a symbol of the city. But when the earthquake happened in April 2015, the tower completely collapsed, leaving only ruins behind. Visiting the site after the disaster was an emotional experience I will never forget.

As I walked around the area, I saw piles of bricks and broken pieces of metal where the tower used to stand. The once-proud structure was now reduced to rubble. The empty space where Dharahara once rose felt strange and sad. It was hard to believe that such a strong building could be destroyed so quickly by nature’s force.

What affected me most was the small, personal things left in the ruins. I noticed an old photograph lying on the ground. It was of a smiling family, now covered in dust. Seeing this made me think about all the people who had lost their loved ones and homes in the earthquake. The photograph seemed like a reminder of the pain and loss so many had gone through.

Looking at the ruins, I felt deeply sad but also humbled. It reminded me how fragile life is and how quickly things can change. The earthquake didn’t just destroy buildings—it affected people’s lives in ways that words can’t fully explain. The sight of the ruins was a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life.

Even though the earthquake caused so much destruction, I also saw signs of hope. People were already talking about rebuilding Dharahara, making it stronger and even more beautiful. This showed me the resilience of the Nepali people and their determination to move forward despite the tragedy.

Visiting the Dharahara site made me think about the strength of the human spirit. It showed me how people can come together to support each other and rebuild after even the hardest times. This lesson stayed with me long after I left the site.

The ruins of Dharahara will always remind me of both loss and hope. It taught me that while disasters can break buildings and lives, they can’t destroy the courage and unity of people who are willing to rise again.