Nepal Earthquake Emergency: SOS Children's Villages is delivering relief, but more help is crucial

While the death toll continues to climb over 5,000, SOS Children’s Villages is providing emergency relief to as many survivors as possible.

Due to the scale of the disaster, affecting around 8 million people, the Government of Nepal is depending on organisations such as SOS Children’s Villages to reach and assist victims such as some 5,000 displaced residents of the rural village of Khatan, near Patan in the Kathmandu Valley. This small village lost ten of its people, including four children, in the earthquake.

An observation team led by Kabindra Shah, director of the SOS Children's Villages Youth Facility in Kathmandu, found the people of Khatan in a state of panic on Sunday when an aftershock of the earthquake struck. More houses collapsed and a woman was badly injured. The SOS Children’s Village vehicle brought her to hospital.

The 4,900 survivors of Khatan are now living in five temporary shelters. Among them are 100 very small children, 1,000 older children and two hundred elderly people. Some of the hardships they face are a lack of water and good food. Colds, coughs and fevers are spreading.

“There is now a growing fear of epidemics, because of the rain and poor sanitation. People have left Kathmandu for their ancestral villages, because they are so worried about the ongoing situation. The victims need extended support in terms of food supplies, logistics and medical assistance,” said Shankar Pradhananga, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nepal.

Heavy rain on Sunday night worsened the situation. Children and families are staying outdoors, in the rain, afraid another aftershock will strike.

“The rainfall is getting worst and more than 70 per cent of the people affected by the earthquake are living outside,” said Shankar. “Because of the weather conditions and the fact the rescue teams have been slow to reach the remote areas, the situation is challenging.”

The SOS Children’s Villages’ team met with the community leaders of Khatan to understand their most pressing needs. It was clear that drinking water, tents, food, medical support, mosquito nets and nutritional support for the children were crucial for their survival.

Within four hours after the meeting SOS Children’s Villages was able to arrange a bulk delivery of rice, cereals, powdered milk, soap and mosquito rolls. The relief materials were enough for two meals only for the thousands of people in the shelters. 

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