Nepal Earthquake: Six Months On

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE: SIX MONTHS ON – RED CROSS FOCUSES ON LONG TERM RECOVERY

Red Cross says Nepal will continue to require international support for decades, six months after two earthquakes devastated the country.

A total of 8,857 people were killed and more than 900,000 homes damaged or destroyed when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit on April 25, followed by a magnitude 7.3 earthquake on May 12.

Red Cross has supported more than 620,000 people affected by the earthquakes, providing medical care, safe water and shelter, as well as relief kits, cash grants and education.

After a massive international emergency response, the focus has shifted to fostering long term recovery.

A Red Cross aid worker in Nepal, New Zealander Rosemarie North says Nepal will need support from Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies for decades.

“We know from the Canterbury quakes that rebuilding takes a long, long time. This will be even more apparent in Nepal, which is a poor country and has suffered much worse destruction.”

With winter approaching, getting people under cover has been a top priority. Many families living at high altitudes have lost their thick-walled homes and are living in temporary shelters, offering little protection against the cold.

“The hillsides are dotted with tarpaulins. They give families a bit of protection against the sun and rain. But winter is looming – you can see snow-capped mountains,” she says.

Red Cross in Nepal plans to give 40,000 households an unconditional grant of USD 80 (about NZD 115) so they can buy what they most need to stay safe and healthy – things like blankets, firewood or warm clothes.

Helping rebuild warm, permanent homes is one of four recovery sectors prioritised by Red Cross as it continues to work in the region during the next 18 months.

Other key recovery sectors include water supply and improved sanitation, the restoration of livelihoods, and the rehabilitation of health structures and community health programmes.

New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General Tony Paine says Kiwis were quick to support the people of Nepal, with the New Zealand Red Cross emergency appeal raising $2.9 million for the region.

A New Zealand Red Cross telecommunications emergency response unit reached Nepal within 72 hours of the first earthquake, setting up communication networks to get vital information in and out of the region.

A total of 14 Kiwi aid workers, including nurses, security personnel and logisticians, were deployed during the response.

At the six month anniversary of the earthquakes, it is important this strong level of support continues, Mr Paine says.

“Here in New Zealand, we know the destruction earthquakes can cause, and we know how long the recovery process can take. Our thoughts are with those still working to rebuild their lives after this disaster.”

ENDS

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