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Earthquake response in Nepal broadens to cover most affected districts

Countries
Nepal
Sources
UN RC Nepal
Publication date

Highlights

  • As of 28 April, the Government reports 4,358 deaths and 8,174 injured people. Search and rescue teams have saved 14 people from the rubbles.

  • In addition to continued efforts in the Kathmandu Valley, the response continues to broaden to include more remote areas, including the most affected districts of Dhading and Gorkha.

  • Up to 90 per cent of the health facilities in Ramechapp, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchowk and Gorkha have been severely damaged.

  • Many people are leaving the Kathmandu Valley and joining families in less-affected areas.

  • There is anecdotal evidence of unrest in relation to limited water supplies. Uneven distributions pose a risk of generating animosity amongst the affected people.

4,358 Dead (as of 28 April 2015)

8,174 Injured (as of 28 April 2015)

8 million Affected (as of 27 April 2015)

14 live rescues (as of 28 April 2015)

16 camps (identified by the Government as of 27 April 2015)

Situation Overview

Four days have passed since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Central and Western Regions of Nepal. Aftershocks continue to affect the daily lives of people as they continue to sleep outdoors, in damp and cold conditions. The Government is encouraging people to return home, wherever possible.

Over the past 24 hours, the Government reported an increase in the number of deaths from 3,351 to 4,358 people. At the same time, the number of injured has risen from 6,833 to 8,174 people (Source:
NEOC - http://neoc.gov.np/en/). These numbers are expected to increase further as information from remote areas becomes available and more affected areas are searched and assessed.

As of today, international search and rescue (SAR) teams have rescued 14 people from the rubble. At the moment, in-country and committed SAR capacity is sufficient to cover all sites. No additional deployment is needed and all SAR teams which have not deployed yet are advised to stand down. In addition, the Government has requested that any Foreign Medical Team (FMT) that have not yet arrived to Kathmandu also to stand by.

Immediate needs include food, shelter, WASH, as well as medical tents, medication, surgical kits and body bags.

In the Kathmandu Valley, public life remains quiet. While small grocery shops are open, large businesses and some banks remain closed. While automatic banking machines are functional, replenishment is occurring at select areas at a slow pace.

With fuel reserves running low, cars and trucks are lining up at gas stations in town. All major roads are open for traffic. However, some side access roads remain blocked. Fuel is also needed to pump water from the ground and maintain services at hospitals and other critical facilities facing frequent power outages.
Mobile networks in Kathmandu remain functional. However, network outage and overloads remain common. Power throughout the city is limited with most households and offices mainly relying on generator power. As a result, many people are leaving Kathmandu Valley and returning to families in areas, which have not been affected by the earthquake.

Information on affected districts outside the Kathmandu Valley highlights the severity of the impact on communities. While district specific information continues to filter in, over 8 million people are estimated to be affected in 39 districts, of which over 2 million people live in the 11 most severely hit districts