Nepal Earthquake - Emergency Logistics Support - World Food Programme 2015

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 the support of DFATD and other donors the World Food Programme (WFP) is helping to meet the emergency logistical needs of the humanitarian response in Nepal in its capacity as Logistics and Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Lead. Activities include: (1) providing logistics and storage services strategic airlifts and in-country cargo transportation for the humanitarian response; and (2) providing emergency telecommunications and information management services to support the humanitarian response.

The expected outcomes for this project are: (1) improved delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected population through enhanced coordination predictability timeliness and efficiency of the emergency logistics response; and (2) improved access to reliable data and voice communications services. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.