Kathmandu, May 7 -- Nepal's public sphere is replete with tales of corruption in high places and the powerful stealing the hard-earned deposits of cooperatives. But there are ordinary Nepalis showing extraordinary compassion and sacrifice like Nirmala Rawal.

Rawal lives in Jayagad village in an isolated corner of Achham, and had just returned to her home and climbed to an upstairs room when she heard a commotion outside. There were cries of a fire.

Looking out the window, she sees an inferno moving up the sloping market town. Nearby houses and stores were in flames, and she rushed outside for safety.

The fire had started at 7pm after a gas cylinder exploded in one of the houses. Police and army teams arrived, but they were too ill equ...