HIGHLIGHTS
The April 25 earthquake and aftershocks have increased the risk of monsoon-related landslides
USAID/OFDA expands support to include radio broadcasts, debris removal, and mental health services
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
The April 25 earthquake and aftershocks caused more than 3,000 landslides in Nepal, and anticipated landslides and flooding resulting from monsoon rains may exacerbate humanitarian needs and further hinder access to earthquake-affected populations in mountainous areas. The UN and other humanitarian agencies are developing mitigation strategies and contingency plans to reduce the negative effects of the 2015 monsoon season.
On June 13, the GoN reported requiring an estimated $6.6 billion for post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction activities over the next five years. The GoN-led Post-Disaster Needs Assessment—conducted in coordination with the UN, World Bank, and other international partners—estimates that economic losses related to the April earthquake total approximately $7 billion. The GoN is hosting an international conference in the capital city of Kathmandu on June 25 to raise funds for reconstruction; the GoN invited representatives from 36 countries and 24 international donor agencies to attend.
The World Bank recently announced plans to provide up to $500 million in loans to support reconstruction efforts in Nepal, including $200 million for rural housing, $100 million to support the GoN budget and national banking system, and $100–$200 million redirected from existing projects.
USAID/OFDA recently committed nearly $200,000 to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Media Action to support the production of radio programs targeting Nepal’s 14 most earthquake-affected districts. The programs aim to increase Nepalis’ knowledge of how to access shelter assistance and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, in addition to providing guidance for constructing safe shelters and adhering to hygiene best practices. BBC Media Action also plans to build the capacity of local radio stations and humanitarian organizations to disseminate critical information during emergencies.
USAID/OFDA also provided Oxfam/Great Britain (Oxfam/GB) more than $1.2 million to implement shelter and WASH programs in Nuwakot District. Additionally, USAID/OFDA committed $500,000 to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support debris removal and nearly $200,000 to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) to increase access to mental health services in earthquake-affected areas.
USG Humanitarian Assistance for the Nepal Earthquake (Last updated 06/25/2015)