By Dara Burke | Project Leader
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Concern has been able to reach some of the most vulnerable and isolated communities in Nepal that were desperately in need of assistance. In fact with the help of our partners, we reached three of the ten worst affected communities: Sindhulpalchowk, Dolakha and Sindhuli. In total, 14,027 households have received life-saving emergency shelter and hygiene kits through our distributions. A total of 3,939 were distributed by our on-the-ground partner, Nepal Water for Health in Sindhuli and another 10,089 by our other partner Rural Reconstruction Nepal. Of that figure, 9210 were distributed in Dolakha and 879 in Sindhupalchowk. Altogether, these efforts reached 74,711 people.
Reaching the communities was a challenge as many of the worst affected areas were either cut off or were extremely difficult to access due to landslides or damaged infrastructure. Roads were often bumpy and after rains, roads became thick with mud, making many impassable.
The feedback from communities has been very positive with many smiling for the first time in a while. The kits were designed to meet or exceed international standards. The contents were culturally appropriate and took into account community priorities (ie a solar lamp was added at the request of communities).The distributions were carefully planned in collaboration with the Nepalese government and with the major Shelter and WASH (Water, sanitation and health) agencies and they met humanitarian guidelines for priority preventions. All distributions were conducted with official district beneficiary lists and each distribution recipient was required to sign or fingerprint the name sheets.
This is just the beginning of Concern's response. Our next priority will be to establish learning centers as well as help people quickly recover their livelihoods through access to cash. We will also focus on rebuilding any damaged water and sanitation infrastructure.
On behalf of the thousands of families you've helped us reach so far, a very sincere thank you!
PS- Here is a link to a blog that was written by one of our staff members, Daniel Gray, in relation to the challenges of distributing relief to Nepal's countryside. http://www.concernusa.org/story/off-the-road-the-challenges-of-distributing-relief-to-nepals-countryside/
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