Nepal Relief Update: 5/21/15

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I: Overview of the Situation in Nepal

Over three weeks have passed since the initial disaster struck the Kingdom of Nepal. The Nepalese have endured an unimaginable amount of suffering and hardship. As desperation and challenges mount, the story of Nepal's tragedy is falling out of media headlines. Many organizations are removing their aid teams exactly when more help is needed than ever before.

Tourism, has almost come to a standstill and a majority of affected people must relay on the support of organizations for for food and shelter until sustainable infrastructure can be established. Until today, most of the total affected population are still sleeping outside without proper shelter, if any.

The extreme weather conditions of the monsoon are approaching quickly and Illness and disease may increase exponentially due to extended exposure to the heavy rains. Therefore proper shelter and clean water are our organization's current priorities.

Statistics:

  • 3 more major earthquakes (above 5.0) and over 200 substantial aftershocks have hit Nepal, the latter of which still continue to this day. 
  • The toll has surpassed 8,500 people with over 20,000 reported injured. 
  • Over 700,000 homes and other structures vital to everyday life, wellbeing and livelihood of the Nepalese, have been reduced to rubble and dirt leaving an estimated 2.8 million people displaced and many still in desperate need of aid at the latest count.
     

 

II: HLF and Bodhivastu's Accomplishments

We have raised over $60,000 for the humanitarian portion of our response Donations coming in from 36 U.S. states and and over 24 countries.

Bodhivastu and The Himalayan Light Foundation (our local Nepal sister organization) has now mobilized over $22,000 worth of emergency supplies into the field in the form of food, shelter, medical supplies and attention, and other essentials. HLF Nepal has provided this aid to three regions including several remote areas.  Our resources are being distributed between several teams to help as many villages as we are able.

With our continued work alongside the JICA Alumni association we are providing aid to upper Sankhu areas and surrounding villages. As food and essential items are being delivered and distributed according to the needs of the areas we are reaching, our latest order of metal roofing will be arriving soon in time for the rain season to provide stable shelter for over 120 families.

With the ongoing help of the Helambu Relief Distribution Centre we were able to serve remote villages in the Helambu (Yolmo) Region. More details below.

 

Helambu Region

Report of aid outreach as of May 16th

Our HLF coordinators worked closely with a team of dedicated volunteer service providers from the Helambu Relief Distribution Centre to bring aid to around 9 remote villages in the Helambu Region who would otherwise receive little to no aid due to their remoteness. Our funds brought into the field have been helping to fill supply runs between Kathmandu and these remote areas.  We are facing major landslides and closed roads.

  • 3,000 people (about 500 families) have received aid with the help of HLF and funds raised by Bodhivastu in the following areas.

    Milamchim Gyang (450*)
    Nakote Gaun (250*) 
    Nyima Dompo (200*)
    Tarke Gyang/Dupedong (120*)
    Dupkhang, Milarepa Cave Area (200*)
    Gangyul (150*) 
    Timbu (400*)
    Sermathang Kiul (400*)
    Shongonche, Chhumik (350*)

    *total population
     
  • 100% of the buildings were destroyed in 7 out of 9 of the above towns, leaving the entire population homeless
  • Supplies has been distributed in the form of: 

    -Shelter: Tents, tarps, metal roofing, and additional tools and materials to construct temporary housing.

-Food stuffs and cooking supplies: Rice, Dahl, Noodles, Potatoes, Flower and other essential food and supplies

 

-Medical supplies: Also utilized by medics working alongside the Helambu Relief Distribution Centre  

-Hygeine products and other essential items
 

Lalitpur District

Report from recent distribution with JICA Alumni

  • This round of relief supplies were distributed in Lalitpur, Lele VDC Ward no. 4, Saurya Gaun and Ward no. 7 Rana Gaun
  •  56 Families were supplied essentials including rice, cooking oil, salt, tents and sleeping mats
  • The supplies were distributed by our HLF Nepal representative Ms. Shanti Laxmi Shakya (pictured bottom left), Treasurer of Himalayan Light Foundation/Nepal and Secretary of JICA Alumni Association/ Nepal with other JICA Alumni members.

Both Himalayan Light Foundation and Bodhivastu Foundation are now turning our focus towards Solar Power Ozone water Treatment Systems, (SPOWTS), monsoon shelters, school rebuilding and small solar lighting systems.  Please remember that the Nepalese need your continued support.

HLF cares about its family, friends and companions, devastated by the recent events. We are committed to the long term reconstruction of Nepal and we  ask that you continue supporting all efforts to provide relief to this ailing nation, especially to the organizations who will be remaining in the country long term.