The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has scaled up its National Emergency Management Plan (NEMP) to assist Nepali survivors affected by multiple powerful earthquakes that have struck the country since October 3, 2023. Strong seismic activity has left a trail of devastation in the country, with the most recent quake, measuring 6.4 on November 3, hitting the Jajarkot and Rukum districts of the Karnali province. According to local authorities, the natural disaster killed over 155 people, injured hundreds more and displaced over 10,000 people. Furthermore, nearly 45,000 structures and residences were destroyed or severely damaged.
ADRA emergency response workers describe the scene on the ground when they arrived: “It was heartbreaking to see the devastation. Every other house is badly damaged, and people are still very worried and scared as earthquakes continue to occur here. Residents can no longer occupy their homes and are living outside in shelters made of whatever they can find. They were so pleased to receive the emergency shelter kits as any protection from the cold weather is essential during this difficult time.”
ADRA is working with the local municipality to prioritize aid to assess the most affected and vulnerable communities.
“ADRA’s disaster response team is focused on providing lifesaving support, including emergency shelter kits and medical assistance. ADRA’s longstanding presence in Nepal and significant experience in disaster relief ensures a prompt and effective response to this emergency, “ says Elizabeth Tomenko, ADRA’s senior emergency program manager. “We are worried about the thousands of individual people and families who are still without a place to live as winter approaches. Ensuring people have access to emergency supplies to stay warm and well is ADRA’s primary objective. We plan to extend our support to the local government to provide winterization relief kits, medical supplies, and assistance to reconstruct damaged medical facilities.”
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The original version of this story was posted on the ADRA website.