Nepal Earthquake – Emergency Response 2015 – Emergency Field Hospital – Canadian Red Cross

May 2015 – On 25 April an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hit Nepal near the capital city of Kathmandu. The government has reported that 30 out of 75 districts are affected in the Western and Central Regions including districts in Kathmandu Valley. The epicentre is located 81 km northwest of Kathmandu. A number of large aftershocks have occurred since the first earthquake. To date over 3 000 deaths have been confirmed and over 6 000 people have been injured. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available. With DFATD’s support the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is helping to meet the life-saving health needs of up to 50 000 people affected by the earthquake. Relief activities include: (1) deploying a basic health care unit with surgical and obstetric care capacity; and (2) providing mobile health care including vaccinations rehydration and mother and child care for up to 200 people per day.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) enhanced support to local health infrastructure which has been damaged or destroyed; and (2) increased access to life-saving medical care for those injured or affected by the earthquake. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity. .