Progress in Nepal but challenges remain

Friday, October 23, 2015

Six months after the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed almost 9000 people in Nepal, World Vision has paid tribute to the resilience of the Nepalese people but warned that earthquake affected communities continue to face new challenges including the looming winter.

 

Since April, World Vision has helped Nepal on its journey to recovery reaching more than 229,000 people, providing immediate and continuing relief in seven of the most affected districts.

 

World Vision Australia chief executive, Tim Costello used the six month anniversary of the April 25 earthquake to thank Australians for their generosity.

 

“Australians have a real affinity with the people of Nepal,” he said. “Nepalese are a warm, friendly, tough people whose lives are shaped by the awe-inspiring mountains in which they live.

 

“The Anzac Day earthquake was devastating, but Australians donated with incredible generosity and we have been able to achieve an enormous amount, despite great challenges.

 

“But there is a long road ahead. Nepal is in the grip of a fuel crisis, winter is coming and the work to rebuild Nepal is just beginning. It is just so important that we don’t forget the people of Nepal.”

 

World Vision’s Nepal Earthquake Director, Jenny MacCann said she was amazed by the resilience of Nepalese families. 

 

“They have worked so hard over the past six months to meet their basic needs with our support,” Ms MacCann said. “We are really happy to walk alongside families in the recovery phase as they come back to some sort of normal life, sending their children back to school, beginning to rebuild their houses and starting to think through economic opportunities.”

 

But she said that there was a narrow window of time left to reach vulnerable people living in remote regions before winter prevents access.

 

World Vision holds particular fears for about 81,000 people living in high up hillside locations.

 

“We think we have about three to four weeks before winter gets though and we can’t access those people anymore,” she said.

 

To donate to World Vision’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal, visit worldvision.com.au

 

Media contact: Stuart Rintoul /0407 241 492 / stuart.rintoul@worldvision.com.au

 or Jessica Ciccotelli / 0402 971 225 / jessica.ciccotelli@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Nepal

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