IFRC releases Rs 100 million assistance for earthquake survivors

KATHMANDU, Nov 8: In response to the November 3 earthquake in the Karnali Province, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has released emergency funds to support humanitarian action on the ground.  

The fund was released a few days ago to the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). The assistance amount is equivalent to Rs 100 million. 

IFRC General Secretary Jagan Chapagain announced this on social sites, expressing full solidarity with the people affected. "The IFRC is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready for any assistance that may be required," Chapagain said. He appealed to Red Cross volunteers to be there on the ground to support the survivors.

Reminding of the 2015 major earthquake that struck Nepal to its core, the IFRC General Secretary highlighted the need for more support to meet the urgent needs of the affected, and importantly for recovery and reconstruction. 

Over 90 volunteers from the NRCS are presently in Jajarkot and Rukum West, the districts affected by Friday's late-night quake for the rescue and relief efforts, the Society said.  

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale at 11:47 pm on Friday, with its epicentre in Jajarkot, resulted in significant casualties and property damage in the districts of the Karnali Province. 

According to the preliminary reports, so far over 150 have been confirmed dead in these two districts with 345 injured. Likewise, 12,006 families have been displaced, 38705 have been affected and 9,483 houses were damaged by the disaster causing partial damages to 19,286 houses. 

The NRCS said it has distributed 700 mattresses, 1,500 tarpaulins, the same number of blankets and other necessary items in the disaster-affected areas. The action will continue, it is said.