Two strong earthquakes hit Nepal yesterday damaging houses and infrastructure and creating significant humanitarian needs among the affected communities. CARE Nepal’s Acting Country Director, Mona Sherpa, shared the organization's immediate response plan:
“Yesterday, the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre reported earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.3 and 6.3, originating in Nepal's northwestern district of Bajhang, located approximately 450 km from the capital city, Kathmandu.
CARE Nepal, in collaboration with the Humanitarian Partnership Platform (HPP) secretariat is actively coordinating efforts with our local partners, local NGOs, and government authorities to gather detailed data on the extent of the damage and the urgent needs of those affected by these earthquakes.
To address the immediate needs, we are planning to distribute relief supplies to the most vulnerable, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants, people with disabilities, and the elderly in the affected area. These supplies comprise of essential inclusive shelter kits, hygiene kits, dignity kits, as well as health and nutritional provisions, ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook foods, and kitchen utensils.
These seismic events occurred at approximately 2:40 PM (UTC: 8:55) and 3:15 PM (UTC: 9:21), respectively, followed by seven aftershocks exceeding a magnitude of 4 within a span of nine hours. Preliminary reports indicate that the earthquakes have resulted in over 25 injuries, 1 fatality, damage to 6 schools, and 350 plus houses and buildings in the affected area. Furthermore, the earthquakes have exacerbated damage in neighboring Doti district that was previously affected by the earthquake last November.
Our ongoing efforts involve close coordination with the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), NGO Federation, Security Forces, local authorities, Mayors, Information Officers, and the Red Cross to monitor the evolving situation in the affected regions. We are heartened to report that, as of now, there have been no reports of harassment, theft, or other protection-related issues among those seeking refuge in community safe houses, neighbouring residences, and schools located in safe areas."
CARE's work in Nepal
CARE started its operations in Nepal in 1978. CARE Nepal works to address systemic and structural causes of poverty and social injustice such as discrimination based on gender, caste, class, ethnicity or geography. The Confederation supports humanitarian actions to address vulnerabilities from climate change and natural disasters. CARE works with marginalized women and adolescent girls to ensure their empowerment, wellbeing, and dignity through social transformation and access to quality social and economic services.
For media enquiries, please contact Iolanda Jaquemet, Senior Humanitarian Communications Coordinator, CARE International via: [email protected].