The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from media reports and grassroots activists. These activists are engaged in rescue and relief operations for the earthquake victims in Nepal who are facing imminent threats of starvation and epidemics. Things are particularly grave for those in distant mountainous villages. Much of the relief material reaching Nepal from across the world is already insufficient to meet the needs created by this massive calamity. It has already claimed more than 4300 lives, and counting, and has displaced millions. Little, if any aid has reached those in remote and areas difficult to access. There is a total breakdown of sanitation services creating the risk of an outbreak of disease. Many bodies of the victims are scattered all around and are unburied causing further risks to health.
CASE NARRATIVE:
The massive earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale, that struck Nepal on April 25 has claimed more than 4300 lives. It has displaced millions. Both these figures may be grossly underestimated as rescue and relief teams have yet to reach far-flung mountainous areas that are treacherous to reach. Access roads connecting them to Kathmandu and other urban centers have been badly damaged by the earthquake and are seriously congested by relatives returning to their villages.
Although the world community has responded urgently and immediately, the steady supply of relief material, especially water, food and medicine is still insufficient to match the needs. The most affected districts like Gorkha, Dhading, Lamjung, Kavre, Nuwakot, outside of Katmandu, have not yet been reached leaving them to fend for themselves as of now. Reports indicate that all the foreign expert teams that have reached the country including those from India, China, and Pakistan have been deployed exclusively in Kathmandu while those from the U.S.A. await deployment.
Outside the Kathmandu Valley, the only deployment is that of a Sri Lankan medical team in Dolalghat while a Bhutanese team is expected to reach Trishuli, Nuwakot soon. Remote areas are almost forgotten by the State. A further complication is the faulty distribution of relief materials that are controlled by the authorities. The Home Ministry of Nepal conceded that it has about 4 lakh tents with them, but they are unable to distribute them to those in need
A breakdown of the sanitation services in all of Nepal is critical, but the situation is dire for those in remote, hard to access areas. Those bodies still buried under houses are a further source of disease for survivors. It is imperative not to delay their extrication and the safe, dignified disposal of their remains.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please express your concern and request the authorities to provide rescue and relief services to the earthquake victims most particularly those most vulnerable caught in the remote areas of Nepal.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear ___________,
NEPAL: Earthquake victims stare at starvation and epidemics
Name of the victims: millions of Nepali citizens
Place of incident: Nepal
I am writing to you with grave concern over the plight of victims of the earthquake in Nepal. The massive earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale, that struck Nepal on April 25 has claimed more than 4300 lives. It has displaced millions. Both these figures may be grossly underestimated as rescue and relief teams have yet to reach far-flung mountainous areas that are treacherous to reach. Access roads connecting them to Kathmandu and other urban centers have been badly damaged by the earthquake and are seriously congested by relatives returning to their villages.
Although the world community has responded urgently and immediately, the steady supply of relief material, especially water, food and medicine is still insufficient to match the needs. The most affected districts like Gorkha, Dhading, Lamjung, Kavre, Nuwakot, outside of Katmandu, have not yet been reached leaving them to fend for themselves as of now. Reports indicate that all the foreign expert teams that have reached the country including those from India, China, and Pakistan have been deployed exclusively in Kathmandu while those from the U.S.A. await deployment.
Outside the Kathmandu Valley, the only deployment is that of a Sri Lankan medical team in Dolalghat while a Bhutanese team is expected to reach Trishuli, Nuwakot soon. Remote areas are almost forgotten by the State. A further complication is the faulty distribution of relief materials that are controlled by the authorities. The Home Ministry of Nepal conceded that it has about 4 lakh tents with them, but they are unable to distribute them to those in need
A breakdown of the sanitation services in all of Nepal is critical, but the situation is dire for those in remote, hard to access areas. Those bodies still buried under houses are a further source of disease for survivors. It is imperative not to delay their extrication and the safe, dignified disposal of their remains.
I, therefore, urge you to ensure that:
1. Rescue and relief teams are deployed in remote districts of Nepal as quickly as possible.
2. Provision is made for adequate relief materials, especially water, food and medicines in these areas;
3. Arrangements are set in place immediately for a safe and dignified disposal of bodies of the victims.
4. Arrange clean water and sanitation services without delay.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Jamie McGoldrick
Director
Resident Coordinator
UN House, Pulchowk
GPO Box 107
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: (+977) 1 5523200
Fax: (+977) 1 5536443
Email:rchco.nepal@one.un.org
3. Ms. Pippa Bradford
Country Director
UNWFP
P.O. Box No 107,
Chakupat, Patan Dhoka,
Lalitpur,
Kathmandu,
NEPAL
Phone: +977 1 5260607
Fax: +977 1 5260201
Email: wfp.kathmandu@wfp.org
4. Ms. Shoko Noda
Country Director
UNDP
P.O. Box No 107,
Chakupat, Patan Dhoka,
Lalitpur,
Kathmandu,
NEPAL
Fax: +977-01-5260201
Email: registry.np@undp.org
5. Mr. Sushil Koirala
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers of Nepal
Singh Darbar, Kathmandu
P.O. Box: 23312
NEPAL
Tel: +977 1 4211000
Fax: +977 1 4211086
Email: info@opmcm.gov.np
6. Mr. Bamdev Gautam
Home Minister of Nepal
Ministry of Home Affairs
Singh Darbar, Kathmandu
NEPAL
Fax: +977 1 421-1257, 421-1286
Email: gunaso@moha.gov.np
7. Mr. Anupraj Sharma
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission
Pulchowk, Lalitpur
NEPAL
Fax: +977 1 55 47973
Tel: +977 1 5010015
E-mail: complaints@nhrcnepal.org ornhrc@nhrcnepal.org
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
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