Susan Sarandon inaugurates homes for Nepal quake survivors

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon today inaugurated two earthquake and wind resistant houses in Ramkot, one of the worst affected regions of the recent killer quakes in Nepal.
The 68-year-old "Atlantic City" star, who is on a week long visit here, is the ambassador of "Live to Love" foundation formed by Buddhist leader Gyalwang Drukpa.
"It's tragic to see the levels of devastation in Nepal, and it is also both moving and heartening to see the efforts of Live to Love in helping people under the most difficult circumstances," she said while addressing media and local people here.
201 homes, including these two, are being built across nine villages in the Bagmati Zone of central Nepal.

The first two homes will belong to survivors -- Saili Tamang, a 77-year-old widow, who lost her son in the earthquake, and Nirmaya Tamang, 46, who lost her husband and daughter.
The Hollywood actress also assessed the short and long-term rehabilitation needs of the other earthquake-affected areas.

She has joined a network of several hundred on-site volunteers, which include Himalayan gender equality champions, the "Kung Fu Nuns" of the Drukpa order, on off-road missions to deliver food and supplies to isolated and under served regions affected by the powerful 7.9-magnitude quake last month.
The current undertaking will house 1,000 people throughout the selected villages in Ramkot within the next two weeks.

Designed by experts in accordance with the UN approved guidelines, the houses are reportedly being built in collaboration with the individuals and families, who will occupy the structures.
"All our efforts must be concentrated at delivering relief in a manner that it not only provides victims immediate succour but also a sustainable future is created for them," Gyalwang Drukpa said.
He made an appeal to organisations and individuals from around the world to collaborate in the long-term reconstruction of Nepal.