Emergency Packages for Earthquake Survivors

Initial position
The two devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in April and May 2015, as well as a series of strong aftershocks continuing for over a month have caused severe damage and human loss. It is estimated that the lives of about eight million people, almost one third of Nepal’s population, have been impacted. Overall, close to 9,000 people have been confirmed dead, more than 22,000 have been injured.

31 of the country’s 75 districts have been affected out of which 14 were severely hit. More than 500,000 private houses and 2,600 public buildings have been totally destroyed. In total 30,000 class rooms were destroyed or broken so the children couldn’t attempt their classes. 

Rebuilding progress
One year after the emergency relief – during we supported 43,000 people with food, shelter materials, hygiene kits and medicines as well as provided 5,700 temporary school tents for children so they could continue their education –  we are still supporting the victims of the devastating earthquakes in rebuilding private houses and schools. Due to the reconstruction progress the people in the project area will benefit also by gaining valuable skills in earthquake-resistant construction methods and earning much needed money thanks to the implementation of the Cash-for-Work principle.

Due to domestic political conflicts starting at the end of 2015 the supply chain stuttered over a few months, which slowed down the rebuilding progress because of the lack of building materials. Therefor our main focus is still to rebuild private houses and educational establishments, so the children can get back to their normal daily routine in school and continue their education. Together with our local partners we are training the local people in rebuilding houses and class rooms earthquake-proof. Further we are supporting them in building water installations and sanitary facilities.

Livelihood rehabilitation
In our aim to rehabilitate the livelihood of the Nepalese people Caritas is supporting them also at the agricultural sector, providing seeds and animal feed. Further the Caritas network is providing special trainings which are a big part of catastrophe precautions in the region as well as child protection.

Caritas Austria is working in close collaboration with experienced local partners. Besides the longtime partnership with Caritas Nepal there is also a strong cooperation with Nepalese organizations PHASE Nepal and Rural Reconstruction Nepal RRN.

Since the end of March 2015 Sunil Simon is representing Caritas Austria on-site as new consultant. He is supporting our local partners in the planning and realization progresses of our projects in the region and helps us to provide the help that is needed.