The earthquake victims heaved a sigh of relief to some extent with the arrival of relief materials, foodstuff and tents even in some remote settlements.

At a time when government has failed to address the predicament of the quake victims, the private sector has started relief operations through Chautara, Melamchi, and Barahbise in Sindhupalchok in the initial phase.

Hundreds of people from various villages started visiting Chautara, Melamchi, and Barahbise as the relief materials were distributed from Friday. Save the Children, Nepal announced to provide tent, clothes and other relief materials in 22 VDCs in the district. 1,855 tents were distributed in the first phase. Similarly, 43 tents and 43 sacks of rice were sent to seven VDCs in the eastern region of the district. The relief distribution was started from Bhimtar, Bhotsipa, Sipa Pokhari, Sangachok, Kunchok, Phulpingkot, among other VDCs.

The quake victims, however, complained that relief were distributed among the people mostly in market areas. They said that the relief is yet to reach in remote villages in Golche, Gumba, Hagam, Baramchi, Gunsa, Bhotang, Piskar, Ghumthang, Marming, Ghorthali, Simpaalkavre VDCs and demanded that they be provided with tents in relief rather than food.

In Kavre, quake victims in Dandapari area received some relief materials on Saturday. The 10 remote VDCs in Dandapari area were deprived of relief as choppers could not drop relief materials due to adverse weather. Separate teams of Nepal Army and Indian Army dropped relief materials in Ghartichhap, Saping, Phalametar, Bankhuchaur, Gokule, Taaldhunga, Chyamrangbesi, and Phoksingtar. However, locals of Milche, Dandagaun, and Budhakhani are yet to  receive relief.

Santosh Pokhrel, officer at the District Development Committee in Kavre said that 385 blankets, 1,540 sacks of beaten rice and about 600 sacks of rice including some dry foods have been distributed in various VDCs in the district. However, the relief was too meagre for the victims figuring at thousands.   

India pledges 100,000 tents

NEW DELHI: Responding to Nepal’s growing demands for tents after Saturday’s deadly earthquake, India is providing some 100,000 tents for the disaster victims.

Immediately after Calcutta-based Consulate General Office informed state government to provide tents to Nepal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee decided to this effect on Saturday.

Officials at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi said CM Banarjee herself will attend a function scheduled to take place in Kakadbhitta on Monday to hand over the tents.

Nepal’s Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay said India will be urged to engage in the rescue and relief distribution efforts as per the country’s needs. India has so far shipped over 40 tons of relief materials, including 10,000 tents, to Nepal.

“I have already requested the Health Ministry of India and other concerned authorities to send 50 medical ventilators to Nepal for treatment of earthquake victims,” said envoy Upadhyay. (PR)

Quake victims in urgent need of food, shelter, medical supplies

KATHMANDU: Nepal urgently needs food materials, tarpaulin sheets, medical supplies and disinfectants to support the victims of last Saturday’s earthquake, the Foreign Ministry has said.

The ministry on Saturday issued an indicative list of priority-based relief and emergency items which may be revised based on the evolving circumstances in the quake-affected areas.

“The list is expected to serve as a reference to the countries and humanitarian agencies while sending relief materials to Nepal,” the ministry has said.

The list will be made available to all diplomatic missions, United Nations and its agencies, and other Kathmandu-based international organisations. The list has also been forwarded to all Nepali missions abroad to coordinate and facilitate the aid works.

There is a pressing need for food, shelter and medical supplies to help the victims. moblie toilets, drinking water storage facility, and water purifiers are also urgently needed. (PR)