Nepal Red Cross Society has supported more than 16 thousand flood and landslide affected families in 25 out of 75 districts of the country.
District branch staff and volunteers are continuously involved in assessments, identification of beneficiaries and distribution. More than 18,000 family packages have been distributed with 16,000 from the central and regional warehouses of the national society and more than 2,000 received through other organizations. Each family package contains a kitchen set, a plastic bucket and jug, female sari, male dhoti, printed cloth, blanket and tarpaulin. In addition to the material worth of these packages they also have a high psychological value, reinforcing to beneficiaries that they have not been forgotten and that the Red Cross cares for their welfare. Additional plastic sheeting has been provided to 800 families.
Over 18,000 families have benefited from the distribution of these packs. They have given displaced families the ability to cook food and boil water, helping prevent disease. Basic clothing needs have also been met. To receive a relief package is also important recognition of the suffering and the needs a family has. It shows that the Red Cross cares for people that have been forced from their homes and lost their belongings.
The Nepal Red Cross has been appointed to the government task force assessing the flood damage. The task force has been commissioned to conduct a 10-day assessment and it will report to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Based on this information, the Ministry will decide whether to launch an international appeal for assistance. The focus of the government and the task force has been on rehabilitation and the mitigation measures. Two meetings have already been held and attended by the Nepal Red Cross representative. The government has released an additional eight million Nepali Rupees (approx. CHF 135,000) for response activities.
In coordination with the Federation, the national society is continuing to liaise with other organizations and UN agencies. Many local organizations are canalizing their assistance through the Nepal Red Cross. The Appeal has been shared with all major Embassies and local agencies. The Danish and American Embassies have contributed to the flood operation while others have informed their governments. Representatives from the Nepal Red Cross and the Federation are continuing to follow up these contacts. The Nepal Red Cross has requested major enterprises within the country to contribute to the flood operation.