Helvetas helps in Nepal

Zurich (ots)

Over the weekend, Nepal was struck by a devastating earthquake. Helvetas, a Swiss organization for development cooperation and humanitarian aid, has started relief actions in the affected region of Jajarkot. The organization is distributing mattresses, tarpaulins, food, and water filters.

This earthquake in Nepal is the most severe since the major event in 2015. It occurred in the night of November 4, and aftershocks are expected in the coming days. The northwest of the country, particularly the regions of Jajarkot and Rukum, has been affected.

While local rescue teams continue to search for survivors in the villages, Helvetas, in collaboration with their European partners from Alliance2015, has begun dispatching the first relief supplies. The Jajarkot region, where eighty percent of houses have been partially or completely damaged, is especially impacted. People who have lost their homes are being provided with mattresses and tarpaulins. Helvetas is also distributing water filters, food packages, and hygiene items. These relief goods were stored by a local partner organization for potential disasters and are now being rapidly deployed to ensure survival.

The Poorest Areas of Nepal Affected – Urgent Help Needed

Helvetas has been working in Nepal in development cooperation for nearly seventy years. The NGO has over 200 local staff, is well-connected with local authorities and partner organizations, and is therefore able to act quickly.

The biggest challenge currently is accessing the affected villages, as many roads and paths have been destroyed. Not all those in need can be reached yet.

“The affected regions are among the poorest areas in Nepal. Winter is approaching, and it is already very cold in the higher altitudes. The people will urgently need further help to get through the winter,” says Prabin Manandhar, the country director of Helvetas in Nepal.