earthquake

Women in Nepal are living in fear of abuse because of the lack of privacy and security afforded by temporary shelters, Oxfam said today.

The international community must support the Nepalese government to grasp a golden opportunity to rebuild the country and make it more resilient to future disasters.

Tens of thousands of people have seen their homes flattened or damaged to such an extent that it is not safe for them to return.

Three trucks carrying tarpaulins, foam sheets, water containers, chlorine tablets and solar lamps have left Gorkhpur and another two have departed Kolkata with water filters and latrine construction materials.

The people of Nepal are in dire need of shelter, clean water, food and medical treatment. Thanks to your support, we have started providing clean water and sanitation facilities to earthquake survivors in camps, and are assessing needs in rural areas.

A bottleneck of people and supplies at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport combined with nationwide fuel shortages, blocked roads and difficult terrain is hampering the efforts of aid agencies and emergency services to reach earthquake survivors.

Oxfam today stepped up its relief effort to help an initial 350,000 people hit by the earthquake in Nepal, providing clean water, toilets and shelter to thousands of people.

Oxfam is gearing up to deliver clean water and sanitation to thousands. Some 30,000 people are currently living in makeshift shelters in 16 government camp locations, too scared to return to their homes for fear of the aftershocks.

Oxfam's team in Nepal are assessing humanitarian need following the devastating earthquake. In addition a team of technical experts are preparing to fly from the UK with supplies to provide clean water, sanitation and emergency food supplies.