Kathmandu/ Kuala Lumpur/ Geneva, 10 November 2023 — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 5 million Swiss Francs to scale up relief and response efforts of the Nepal Red Cross Society.
Last Friday, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Nepal just before midnight, causing significant damage and distress. The tremor, centred in Ramidanda, Jajarkot district of the Karnali Province, is the most recent in a series of seismic events affecting the region this year. It is estimated that 38,000 families have been affected by the earthquake, including approximately 30,000 homes destroyed or damaged.
Since the disaster hit, the Nepal Red Cross Society’s (NRCS), with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its partners, have been working with local authorities. They are supporting search and rescue operations, providing first aid, psychosocial support, ambulance services and immediate relief assistance to those affected.
Immediately post the earthquake, IFRC allocated CHF 775,395 from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the affected families. In-country Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies and partners have also pledged their support in this crucial time.
Herve Gazeau, Programme Coordinator IFRC and spokesperson based in Kathmandu, said:
“The Nepal Red Cross Society has been on the ground since the first day. They are delivering critical emergency services and relief support in the impacted districts that are rather difficult to access in the mountainous areas, with support from IFRC and its partners. As we are racing against the time and with a sense of urgency to reach the most vulnerable, the IFRC is making an appeal to support the earthquake-affected families, especially given the arrival of winter in Nepal.”
“IFRC and its partners pledge their continuous support to the NRCS throughout the process as they work to assist the affected families in the region.”
Nepal Red Cross Society is working closely with Nepali authorities, using its established relationships, to speed up aid delivery. Current efforts include distributing essential items like tents, blankets, and mattresses, and preparing for any urgent blood supply needs in hospitals. The emotional well-being of those who have lost loved ones is also being addressed through psychosocial support by Nepal Red Cross Society volunteers and response teams.
Currently, immediate assistance is underway, yet thousands of affected families remain in open spaces with no alternate shelter and in fear of another tremor. With the onset of winter, relief shelters and essential warm items have become imperative.
More information
For further details on our response to the Nepal earthquake, visit the Nepal Red Cross Society website or the IFRC appeal page.
To request an interview, please contact: [email protected]
In Nepal:
Herve Gazeau: +977 1 4285843
In Kuala Lumpur:
Afrhill Rances: +60 19 271 3641
In Geneva:
Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67
Mrinalini Santhamam: +41 76 381 50 06
