The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Nepal a few weeks ago left behind thousands of deaths and millions of people in great need of humanitarian aid. 

On 25 April the earthquake struck affecting “an estimated 8 million people across the country’s Western and Central Regions […], including its largest cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara” (UN News Centre, 2015).

The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks reaching its peak on 12 May when another major 7.3 magnitude quake hit, killing more than 100 and injuring more than 2.000 people.

Official estimates suggest that more than 8.500 people have been found dead until now, almost the double number of people have been injured and approximately 3.5 millions are in great need of food supply.

The quake severely damaged the agriculture sector and ruined several villages. According to the United Nations (UN) “the disaster has also destroyed markets and infrastructure, including roads and crucial irrigation and drainage canals. As a result, internal trade, including the movement of emergency aid, is severely constrained.” 

In response to the disaster, the UN initially allocated $15 million in emergency funds for Nepal earthquake and later appealed for $415 million to enhance its efforts for providing emergency relief over the next three months (UN News Centre, 2015). The European Union (EU), foreign governments, numerous non-governmental organizations, groups and individuals offered significant humanitarian aid to Nepal by providing funds, donations and teams of experts for the deployment of relief and rescue operations. 

In the dawn of the new hit, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) appealed for $423 million for lifesaving aid operations which according to the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon “the appeal is currently only 14 per cent funded” (UN News Centre, 2015).

On 15 of May, the UN, during a special 193-member General Assembly session, adopted the resolution “Strengthening emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in response to the devastating effects of the earthquake in Nepal” urging the international community to support and assist Nepal (UN News Centre, 2015).

Since the first quake hit the country, the government of Nepal, which has declared a state of emergency, has been intensively criticized for its slow response to the crisis. The slow pace of the Nepalese government relief efforts has brought anger and frustration within the country, with many remote areas and villages being isolated and their residents screaming for help, complaining that they have not received any kind of help yet.

CITIZENS RIGHTS WATCH (CRW) calls the Nepalese government and the Prime Minister of Nepal Mr Sushil Koirala to take action immediately!

We ask for the deployment of funds, donations and resources for the relief and rescue of the people and especially of those in impacted isolated areas!

We call for collective action and cooperation among foreign governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local authorities, independent groups and individuals to ensure and achieve the delivery of the most effective and efficient rescue and relief efforts!

References

“Nepal earthquake: Frustration mounts over relief effort” (2015) BBC News Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32522398

Francis A, (2015) “Nepal struggles to rebuild after earthquakes” DW Available at: http://www.dw.de/nepal-struggles-to-rebuild-after-earthquakes/a-18453302

Lederer M. E, (2015) “UN Calls for Urgent Aid for Nepal Earthquake Survivors” The Associated Press

Mullen J, et al (2015) “Nepal earthquakes: Only fraction of aid need has been met, U.N. says” Available at: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/15/asia/nepal-earthquake/

OCHA, “Nepal: Earthquake 2015” Situation Report No. 15 (as of 15 May 2015) Available at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHANepalEarthquakeSituationReportNo.15%2815May2015%29.pdf

UN General Assembly (UNGA), Draft Resolution. Strengthening emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in response to the devastating effects of the earthquake in Nepal. (A/69/L.66) 

UN News Centre (2015) “‘Emergency relief is never enough,’ says Ban, urging UN to help Nepal build back better” Available at: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50872#.VVovPSHBzGc

UN News Centre (2015) “As powerful new quake hits Nepal, UN races to deliver aid to those affected” Available at: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50829#.VVs9DiHBzGc

UN News Centre (2015) “In Nepal, senior UN official warns ‘clock is ticking’ for earthquake relief efforts” Available at: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50757#.VVtd4SHBzGc