HIGHLIGHTS
The Government of Nepal (GoN) authorizes relocation of some earthquake-affected populations
Relief agencies continue to distribute and pre-position relief supplies
Donors pledge $4.4 billion for Nepal’s reconstruction
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
USAID/OFDA, the GoN, and humanitarian partners continue preparations to respond to the potential effects of Nepal’s June-to-September monsoon season, which may increase the vulnerability of populations affected by the April 25 earthquake and aftershocks. An estimated 90 percent of earthquake-affected individuals live in areas at risk of floods and landslides, according to the UN.
On June 30, the GoN released a directive authorizing the relocation of some earthquake-affected populations due to monsoon-related disaster risks. The directive tasks District Disaster Relief Committees (DDRCs) with developing district-level relocation plans, and GoN authorities have requested support from the international humanitarian community. The GoN has not released specific guidance, and the scale of relocations, as well as coordination mechanisms, varies among districts. Local media report that authorities may relocate approximately 20,000–50,000 households across the country.
USAID/OFDA partner the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that some communities are resisting relocation due to economic, social, cultural, and religious ties to specific areas. IOM is actively involved in the relocation process and is coordinating with the GoN to ensure that all population movements are safe, orderly, dignified, and in accordance with Nepali and international laws. As of mid-July, IOM had not received any reports of forced relocations.
On June 25, the GoN hosted an international donor conference in the capital city of Kathmandu to raise funds for reconstruction and recovery efforts. To date, international donors have pledged approximately $4.4 billion in grants, low-interest loans, and other assistance. The pledged funds represent approximately 67 percent of the estimated $6.6 billion that Nepal requires for recovery and reconstruction activities over the next five years.
With $750,000 in USAID/OFDA support, Heifer International recently began a program that aims to preserve livelihood assets through restoration of disrupted livestock and veterinary services in Dhading, Gorkha, Kavrepalanchowk, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk—five of Nepal’s 14 most-affected districts.
USG Humanitarian Assistance for the Nepal Earthquake (Last updated 07/21/2015)