Caritas reaches 30,000 earthquake survivors in Nepal

Distribution in Gorkha

Caritas member CRS provided shelter and WASH kits to an initial 1,250 people in a village in Gorkha. Photo by Jake Lyell for Catholic Relief Services

Following last week’s devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake, Caritas Nepal, the aid and development agency of the Nepal Catholic Church, will reach over 175,000 people with much needed shelter, water and hygiene kits in seven of the most affected districts over the next two months.

More than eight million people are reported to have been affected by the earthquake. With over 190,000 homes destroyed and over 175,000 more severely damaged, shelter is a major priority.

Caritas Nepal, with the support of the international Caritas network, is working in seven of the most affected districts: Gorkha, Okhaldunga, Sindhupalchowk, Kavrepalanchok, Nuwakot, Lamjung and Dhading, as well as Kathmandu valley.

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Caritas Nepal Director Fr. Pius Perumana said, “In every district we are prioritising the most marginalised families, such as those whose lives have been most affected, are living in extreme poverty or have family members with disabilities.

“We have already reached 31,000 people with temporary shelter kits and helped 2,092 families with food.

“As a Church agency we have strong local connections and partnerships in every affected district which enables us to mobilise and respond with speed, whilst reaching the most marginalised communities in the country.

“We have been very impressed with local government support in every distribution point so far and at the national level with strong government coordination,” said Fr Perumana.

Caritas Nepal is working rapidly to ensure families have protection from the rain and cold temperatures, especially before the monsoon rains begin in June.

“I’m truly humbled by the generosity and support of our whole global family in Nepal’s time of need. I would like to thank our global community for their prayers, support and gifts. The needs are immense and we will partner in solidarity with the affected communities to rebuild lives, livelihoods and communities long beyond this initial emergency response,” said Fr Perumana.

For media enquiries or interviews with Fr Pius, contact:

Angela Ford, Communications support, +61400195562 or angelaf@caritas.org.au
Prakash Khadka, Communications Officer, +977 9841507179 or pknepole@gmail.com

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