Kathmandu, May 11. In a country of 30 million, the second wave traveling aboard from neighboring India was inevitable.

Oxford University’s data tracking site shows a staggering 668% increase in confirmed covid cases in the last two weeks before May. Schools were closed but everything else were open, including jatras, festivals and other celebrations.

Many Nepalis even visited the Kumbh Mela, including ex-king Gyanendra. His photos and videos of the visit was viral in social media. The ex-royal couple returned with the virus, and many of their connections have also tested positive.

The Nepali politicians are also seems to be engaging themselves in their own kind of jatra. Instead of focusing on the public health emergency, prime minister, Khadga Prasad Oli is seen advising people to drink turmeric water or guava tea. He also dissolved the parliament, which was later restored by the Supreme Court. In his latest move, he was unsuccessful in getting the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives (HoR).

There are fewer than 600 ventilators for the entire country. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicts that Nepal will need well over 10,000 ventilators by 24 May. Social media are flooded for help posts for oxygen and other medical supplies.

Nepal’s health minister, Hridayesh Tripathi has said, “As the number of infections has increased beyond the control of the health system, it has become tough to provide hospital beds for care.”

As around only 1% of Nepal’s population is vaccinated, many are uncertain whether they will get the second shot of the vaccine. A senior official has called out to Nepali embassies for vaccine diplomacy.

On Saturday, the prime minister went on CNN and said that the Covid-19 situation in Nepal was under control. But the crowded hospitals and increasing cases speak a different story.