completed· Disaster Risk· Health

Nepal Earthquake Disaster Response Humanitarian Assistance

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April 2015, with the epicenter in Lamjung District (north-west) of Kathmandu. As of 26 April 2015, the death toll stands at over 2,288 people and the injured at more than 5,850 people, but observers believe these numbers are likely to increase. A United Nations situation report confirms that 30 out of 75 districts in the country have been affected in the Western and Central Regions, including Kathmandu Valley districts. This includes mountainous and hilly areas, in areas where rural populations are dispersed, as well as some very densely populated districts and Nepal?s two largest cities?greater Kathmandu and Pokhara. The worst affected districts include Sindulpalchowk, Kavre, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Dolakha in the central region; and Kaski, Gorkha, and Lamjung in the western region. The impacts of the earthquake and its aftershocks in the Kathmandu Valley include collapsed historic buildings in the center of Kathmandu. Roads and other infrastructure have been severely affected, and the delivery of relief goods and services has become difficult. The residents are already facing serious shortages of food, water, and other essential items. Many houses in the worst affected areas are believed to have collapsed. The majority of the populations remain outside their houses due to fear of aftershocks and structural damage to buildings. The Nepalese media report that stores are running out of food and especially water. Hospitals are overcrowded and running short on emergency medical supplies. Doctors from hospitals are reported to be treating people in the streets. The Government of Nepal (Government) declared a state of emergency for the 11 affected districts on the evening on 25 April 2015 and has requested international assistance, particularly for the most critical humanitarian needs of the population. This includes (i) search and rescue capacity; (ii) medical teams, supplies, tenting for hospitals, and body bags for the dead; (iii) heavy equipment for removal of rubble; and (iv) helicopters for transport and access to blocked areas.