NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF & RECOVERY ACTIVITIES 

Situation Report:

Devastating Earthquake: Kathmandu along with other peripheral districts (Gorkha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Kavre) were struck by devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015 Saturday afternoon. The earthquake was followed by more than 100 aftershocks that damaged several ancient monuments, buildings, houses and left thousands of people dead. Many people were displaced and in urgent need of makeshift shelters and other support. It was one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of Nepal.

According to Government statistics, as of afternoon of 1 May 2015, over 6000 people have died and official reports state more than 13000 injured and above 1 million houses are destroyed. However, the exact number is still unknown. Several villages in different parts of the country have fully and partially destroyed causing extensive loss of human lives. As per the reports, victims are still awaiting rescue team to reach them. Much of the relief material reaching Nepal from various parts of the world already appears to be inadequate to address the immediate needs created by this calamity.

The country was out of power and still after 7 days, the drinking water supply is disturbed. The destruction caused by the earthquake rendered the majority of the water sources in the affected areas non-functional - increasing conditions for potential outbreaks of water-borne and air-borne diseases. There is a total breakdown of sanitation services. The health system is seriously affected. Many dead bodies are scattered all around and are unburied. The huge challenge remains in preventing the likely epidemics and starvation.

It is reported that the main highways that connect people from other parts of the country to the Kathmandu valley is damaged quite extensively due to land/rock slides caused by the earthquake. This has resulted in severe difficulties to return back to the homes (outside Kathmandu valley) to lend their hands to friends, families and relatives.

Gorkha, Dhading, Lamjung, Nuwakot, Kavre, and Sindhupalchowk that are among the most affected districts are not effectively reached by the rescue team with sufficient relief materials.

Most of the affected families are desperately waiting for the relief and response. Nepalese Army and Police Force are rescuing the victims continuously. Although the international community has responded to the crisis by providing assistance, the steady supply of relief materials particularly potable water, dry food and medicines is still not sufficient.

Activities Carried Out:

Immediately, ICA team visited earthquake affected areas inside the Katmandu Valley and learned that there still are many people trapped in the debris of the fallen houses. Several heritage sites are completely or partially damaged. The continued tremors (aftershocks) could cause further casualties and loss of properties. It has been reported that the earthquake was more intense in and around Kathmandu where the population density is abnormally high.

ICA Nepal with the support the members of Rotaract Clubs (Manohara, Rudramati and Rudramati Babarmahal) and Rotary Club of Rudramati, is massively distributing relief materials to the earthquake victims. Additionally, ICA Nepal team donated blood.

• On 29 April, we went to Bhaktapur area and distributed 500 drinking water bottles.
• On 30 April, 500 drinking bottles distributed in Bungamati area, one of the most affected areas in the Kathmandu.
• On 1 May, 2015, a joint team moved towards Sindhupalchowk with basic food survival package. The package contains relief materials: rice, daal, biscuits, drinking water and noodles.
• Another team headed towards Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur distributed 40 sets of basic food survival package.

Another ICA Team move to Balaju to help Entire Power for Social Action (EPSA) with 10 sets of the basic food packages. EPSA is shelter for differently abled women (women living with physical disabilities). Along with providing shelter, EPSA runs a workshop for handicraft as an income generating activities for women living with disabilities. ICA Nepal is reported that the earthquake destroyed their workshop and they had to live without drinking water for four days. Immediately, knowing this, ICA Nepal team communicated the EPSA members and headed towards their location with food supplies as requested by them.

The total package cost Rs. 1500/-

Within this week we aim to provide 1000 sets of the package to the affected areas.

ICA Nepal is working hard to response this tragic situation. We believe that the package will help 5 members family to survive at least 7 days.

There is a high need of tents and water proof mattress for the earthquake victim. The situation has become very difficult to survive in open space due to rain over time.

Map: The most affected location In this tragic situation, ICA Nepal will continue our presence to enable the affected people to recover from the impacts on longer term.

Acknowledgement to ICA USA which is working jointly with us in raising fund for ‘Earthquake Relief Fund’ which will be used for relief, recovery and rehabilitation activities for earthquake affected people in Nepal. ICA-USA will be accepting donations to send to ICA-Nepal between now and Friday May 15th. Your gifts will be tax deductible and the entire amount donated will be sent to Nepal. ICA Nepal acknowledges global community and volunteers for lending a hand to help Nepal rise again.

Institute of Cultural Affairs-USA
4750 N. Sheridan