#OxfaminNepal: “More than 60,000 litres of water has been provided till now”

#OxfaminNepal: “More than 60,000 litres of water has been provided till now”

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@Oxfam is providing water in relief camps, building toilets and fixing water supply. Know more http://bit.ly/1ztJKMZ #OxfaminNepal #NepalEarthquake

A massive earthquake has ripped through Nepal and devastated the lives of millions. A country brought to its knees by nature’s fury.

Over 5000 dead and counting. Thousands more are severely injured. The crisis is deepening with each passing day. There is shortage of food supplies, drinking water and people are sitting in the open, facing the cold unforgiving Himalayan weather.

“Nepal is in a major crisis. The biggest challenge for the people in the country is survival. They need food, shelter and water,” said Andrio Naskar, National Humanitarian Programme Manager, Oxfam India, who is on the ground in Nepal.

There are huge logistical challenges in getting help to vulnerable people in remote areas. Congestion at Nepal’s only international airport, roads blocked by landslides and fuel shortages are making it difficult to transport aid to scattered communities across difficult mountainous terrain.

But a team of Oxfam from India reached Gorkha district, one of the worst affected regions after the #NepalEarthquake.

 A damaged house in Gorkha district. Photo credit: Andrio Naskar/Oxfam India

After an arduous 17 hour drive from India, our team reached Nepal. They reached ground zero and assessed the humanitarian needs of two villages in the Gorkha district.

“Till now the Nepal Army, India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other rescue teams are trying to reach people and save them.  But still there are many areas which are unreachable.  They are trying to reach such places through helicopters and conduct rescue operations,” Naskar added.

Oxfam is on the ground in Nepal and providing humanitarian support. We are there for the long haul.

A damaged house in Gorkha district. Photo credit: Andrio Naskar/Oxfam India

We aim to provide aid to at least 350,000 people and have already begun work in four camps delivering clean water and toilets. 

“Oxfam has immediately provided 60,000 litres of water in different relief camps, like the Lagankhal army camp in Kirtipur area. We have also provided water in the Tundikhel camp. In the Sinamangal camp we are installing temporary latrines and water system. We are also trying to fix the water systems in the camps for the next few days,” Andrio Naskar said. 

The threat of a major disease outbreak is looming. The situation will become far worse when torrential monsoon rains begin in late June. After a disaster such as this clean water, emergency food and sanitation are crucial.

Oxfam is on the ground in Nepal and providing water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) support. We are there for the long haul.

But the people of Nepal need your help. 

Support our efforts in Nepal in save thousands of lives.