EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
Dear
friends,
Over
the last weeks we visited many places in the Gorkha District to distribute the
goods we brought along. Of the 68,000 houses, 56,000 were damaged or completely
demolished. We tried to reach the villages and people of Gorkha's upper part,
which is why it took some time to bring you this update.
The
Chief District Office (CDO) of Gorkha adviced us to go through the Army to
deliver the goods to upper part of Manaslu region, more precisely to Samagau,
Samdo and Lho as no help had reached these vollages.
The
Army base in Palungtar, Gorkha had technical difficulties with their helicopter.
After coordinating with CDO Gorkha and the local Army colonel, we went back to
Gorkha Bazar where they operate the helicopter for the upper part of Gorkha.
There, the Army promised to deliver the goods to the villages once the weather
would allow for it.
We
have distributed almost 2.5 million rupees (around 21,500 Euro) worth of goods
in different villages of Gorkha. We have a truck departing from Pokhara almost
every day.
Many
villages in the region were affected and are now slowly recovering from the
earthquakes. The Nepalese government said that they have reached almost every
village with the support of NGO, INGO, businesses and grass root organizations
like mother groups and youth clubs.
More
than 8,000 people lost their lives in the first earthquake and more than 200,000
people lost their houses, more thousands were injured and undergoing
treatment.
We
had formed a Pokhara Tourism Committee for the Earthquake Victims Relief
Distribution, which makes it easier to coordinate with the government. This
committee is able to collect a lot of money and is still raising funds for the
long-term recovery.
Quality
of Life Nepal works with NGO Federation of Kaski. QOLN delivered 100
double-coated plastic sheets to make tents for shelter.
Another
issue we are focusing on is education. The earthquake damages 42 schools in
Kaski District. We are coordinating with the District Education Office in
Pokhara to see how QOLN can be of help.
Meanwhile,
as you all know, there was a second earthquake on Tuesday 12 May, near Namche
Bazaar (Everest region, near Kathmandu). We are trying to find out what if there
is more help needed in Kathmandu now.
I
would like to thank you all for your kind contributions and I will try to give
you further updates soon. I make sure your each and single penny will be used in
providing a better future for the earthquake victims and their family.
Ram
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