Nepal Earthquake - Emergency Response 2015 - UNICEF

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 5 000 deaths have been confirmed and over 11 000 people have been injured. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available. With DFATD's support and that of other donors the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is helping to meet the emergency water sanitation hygiene nutrition and protection needs of people affected by the earthquake. Project activities include: (1) providing safe drinking water to people in informal camps; (2) distributing hygiene kits including soap sanitary towels and detergent; (3) delivering tents and tarpaulins to serve as emergency shelters for families; (4) establishing safe spaces for children and women; (5) providing psychological support to children in informal camps; (6) reunifying separated children with their families; (7) providing emergency school kits for children in temporary learning centres; (8) ensuring access to programmes to treat and prevent acute malnutrition in vulnerable population groups; and (9) providing protection services and counselling to vulnerable and at-risk populations.

The expected outcomes for this project are: (1) improved access to safe drinking water; (2) improved access to hygiene and sanitation facilities; (3) improved access to nutrition services; (4) improved access to shelter; (5) enhanced protection environment for children and women; and (6) increased access to education for children. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.