NEPAL EARTHQUAKE 2015

Transcription

1 MULTI-SECTORAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT NEPAL EARTHQUAKE MAY 2015

2 RedR-India is part of the RedR International network, a humanitarian, non-profit organization, which maintains a register of experienced humanitarian professionals who are available to assist governments and external support agencies that work in the humanitarian sector. In addition to its primary task as a recruiter of humanitarian personnel, the RedRs have a global reputation for the development and presentation of high quality training and technical support services for the humanitarian aid sector. RedR has offices in India, UK, Sri Lanka, Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand. For more details on RedR-India please do visit Mission: A world in which sufficient competent and committed personnel are available and responding to humanitarian needs. RedR India GOKUL House No. 1, Sur. No. 79, Plot No , Pooja Park, Kothrud, Pune India Photo Credit: RedR India

3 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 4 BACKGROUND... 7 CHRISTIAN AID S RESPONSE TO THE EMERGENCY... 9 THE ASSESSMENT Objectives of the assessment VDCS visited for assessment Assessment Methodology SECTOR-SPECIFIC FINDINGS, OBSERVATIONS, INFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Shelter and Non Food Items Food Security Livelihoods WASH Health Protection Nutrition... 32

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Upon request from Christian Aid, RedR India deployed an assessment team to capture critical qualitative and quantitative data along with information in order to validate CA s ongoing emergency response to the earthquake in Nepal in the first month (May 2015) of the disaster, and also inform decision making process for CA s proposed response in the coming two months. The assessment team visited earthquake-affected areas in Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts of Nepal. Majority of the affected remote villages, more popularly known as Village Development Committees (VDCs) in the upper reaches were still inaccessible for assessment. The team also met key district level officials and collected secondary information from other sources to gain an understanding on the critical unmet needs and current response plans. FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS The exact magnitude of damage is yet to be ascertained as most remote VDCs remain inaccessible due to damage to roads. People without food Supply of relief materials is not adequate to meet the emerging needs of the affected people. Several VDCs, particularly those which still continue to remain cut off, have not received any relief materials as reaching them is a challenge. Short supply of food appropriate for infants, may emerge as matter of major concern in the coming weeks. Loss of livelihoods The main occupation of the people belonging to the affected areas is agriculture. While there has not been any substantial crop loss, barring some instances where crops were destroyed following landslides induced by the earthquake, there is a concern over delayed rains resulting in less than average normal yield. WASH Water Supply Water supply does not appear to be a major issue presently. Mostly people were provided with water from traditional sources like springs. While the piped supply system in some places has been damaged or has been destroyed by the earthquake, people have repaired the supply

5 pipelines themselves and have access to sufficient quantity of water. Alternate sources of supply are also available. While quantity of water is not appearing to be an issue, quality is questionable in some locations. Sanitation Traditionally people have been using toilets for defecation. Now with toilets being destroyed or becoming non-functional in some areas, people are resorting to open defecation. Toilets that are undamaged and functional are being shared by people. There is a need for latrines in these VDCs. Lack of toilets is posing a huge problem for women. There is a possibility of occurrence of water-borne diseases, as the water supply pipelines are broken in some areas. Hygiene Practices It was observed that very few households had separate covered drinking water containers with lids and taps. However, people in most VDCs do not have sufficient water storage containers. No significant cases of diarrhoea or dysentery have been reported. Shelter and NFIs The affected people are forced to move away from their homes/regular shelters as majority of the houses have been either partially or fully damaged. Large populations are without a roof or living under tarpaulin sheets. People were caught unaware by the earthquake and ended up losing most of their belongings under the rubble and debris. Many affected people still do not have necessary household items. Distribution of non-food items is yet to start in the most affected areas. Health Health facilities have collapsed in almost all the districts where the assessment was conducted. Resumption of services through rehabilitation of these facilities and providing outreach services is of utmost priority. There are agencies which have set up medical camps and they are doing their best to serve those in need. Support and gap areas The NGOs and government have started assessing the damage, supplying relief and providing other assistance in the form of dry food rations including rice, oil, sugar, maize etc. at a few places. Looking at the intensity of the devastation, it can be said that the supply of relief has been late and inadequate.

6 There have been sporadic examples of preferential politics in play as far as distribution of relief items is concerned. However, these could not be substantiated. Relief action from Government The Government of Nepal carried out search and rescue of survivors during the initial days. The Government has now discontinued it as there is little hope of finding more survivors under the debris. Since schools are closed until the end of May, the buildings are used as relief centres for affected people in some places. The government has mobilized helicopters for distributing relief items and is supplying food, cash and other items (in variable quantities) at accessible VDCs. It is also in the process of declaring compensation for the dead, and for houses that have been damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. INFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Though the government has started responding, it has limited resources to respond quickly. It apparently needs external support to deal with the overwhelming disaster. The Government has been focusing on short term needs and have not come out with a longer or medium term response plan. As and when access to the remote VDCs is regained, it is recommended that a detailed shelter, WASH and food security assessment is conducted to identify critically unmet and emerging needs. In the current situation, recommendations for Christian Aid are: 1. It is beyond the capacity of the affected people to cope with the negative impact of the earthquake. The assessment team concludes an urgent need to respond to this humanitarian emergency, and thus validates CA s ongoing response. 2. The need for immediate relief is crucial and must be undertaken at a greater speed and scale. Emergency Food Security, Shelter, WASH, and Emergency Livelihood support (in this order) should be the sectors of major focus. The situation in self-settled emergency shelters will worsen if food security is not ensured at the earliest. Immediate support must reach the worst affected people. A significant portion of the affected population still remains cut off in the remote areas with food being air-dropped for some. 3. A large-scale shelter rehabilitation and reconstruction intervention will be required once the emergency phase is over. For more details on the sector-specific recommendations, please refer to the detailed report.

7 BACKGROUND At (Nepal Standard Time) on 25 th April, 2015, Nepal and its adjoining areas of India, Tibet, China and Bangladesh were hit by a massive earthquake with a moment magnitude of The epicentre of this earthquake was located 80 kms from Kathmandu in Warpak, Gorkha district which suffered terrible destruction 2. More than 55 aftershocks, some with magnitude as high as 5.1, kept hitting Nepal and the adjoining areas in India over the coming days 3. Poverty, difficult terrain and thus, inaccessibility are very entrenched and concentrated in Nepal, a developing country with a low income economy, ranking 145th of 187 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI) in It continues to struggle with high levels of hunger and poverty. Thus in the backdrop of poverty and under development, the earthquake of this scale has had a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of the poor. The Nepalese government with major support from other countries carried out search and rescue operations with full force as thousands were trapped under the debris and rubble. The access to remote areas and VDCs, especially in the upper reaches near the epicentre, where maximum devastation has been expected, is still cut off. As the rescue and aid scaled up, the worst affected districts identified are Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), Nuwakot, Gorkha, Rasuwa, and Lamjung. 4 As of 29 th April, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal reported 5,006 deaths (toll expected to cross 10,000) and 10,194 injured people. It is estimated that 2.8 million Nepalese are displaced, as over 70,000 houses are believed to be destroyed and another 5,30,000 homes damaged across the 39 affected districts. 5 Thousands of people including hospital patients were forced to sleep outside, because buildings have been destroyed and others so weakened that they may be in danger of collapse. According to initial estimations and based on the latest earthquake intensity mapping, 8 million people in 39 districts have been affected, of which over 2 million people live in the 11 severely

8 affected districts 6. The estimated number of affected people was calculated using data from the 2011 Census and Government guidance that 50 per cent of the total population in affected districts is affected. This includes the number of households living in poor quality and vulnerable homes with outer walls and/or foundations made of substandard material. The number of households affected was further estimated based on the intensity of the earthquake as it was estimated to have been felt in each location. These figures are based solely on baseline data and models. According to early indications, 1.4 million people are in need of food assistance. 6 Nepal: Earthquake 2015, Office of the Resident Coordinator - Situation Report No. 04 (as of 27 April 2015, 7:00pm)

9 CHRISTIAN AID S RESPONSE TO THE EMERGENCY Christian Aid (CA) insists the world can and must be swiftly changed to one where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. It provides urgent, practical and effective assistance where need is great, tackling the effects of poverty as well as its root causes. CA works with 600 partners in over 44 countries around the world. CA has extensive experience of supporting, managing and monitoring emergency relief and rehabilitation programmes with local partner organizations. Disaster preparedness and mitigation and advocacy for policy changes are central to CA's approach. CA and their partners are working in the worst affected geographies in Nepal. The worst affected districts are covered by local grassroots agencies. Districts Gorkha Sindhupalchok Dhading VDCs Asrang, Borlang, Saurpani Tandrang, Aruarbang, Arrupokhari (Ward no. 3 to 9), Thumi Keeul VDC, Bhote Namlamang, Gunsa VDC, Thulopakhar VDC Jogimara, Jyamruk, Salyantar, Baseri, Salyntar, Aginchok, Salyankot 1. Actions Christian Aid is responding to the critical needs of the affected communities in the core sectors of WASH, Shelter and Food Aid. Christian Aid is responding to the crisis through rapid needs assessments on shelter and WASH, medical camps, phased intervention of creating access to safe and clean water for the affected households. Christian Aid has allocated GBP 100,000 for the phase 01 (rapid actions) NADCC tablets WASH Shelter NFI Food Medical Aid Household Tarpaulin Blankets Bucket Ready Dry No. of people kits & Ropes & Mug to Eat Ration treated Food

10 2. Christian Aid s Current Response 7 Rapid Response o Safe Water Provisioning: Dispatched 74,000 sachets of PUR (water purification agent) which can treat at least 744, 000 Litres of water and provide safe and pure drinking water to the affected people. 10,00,000 NADCC tablets have been dispatched for the affected communities Moved 15 Water filtration units each of which can provide 1,500 litres of purified water per hour per unit Moved a large water filtration unit with 4000 Litres per hour capacity with 10,000 litre onion tank and 2 tap stands with 5 taps each o Shelter Support: 16,000 Tarps (Top Sheet 180 GSM-18x12 and Ground Sheet 140 GSM- 12x9) have been dispatched (1,000 by Air and 4,000 by road) for the affected families o First Aid and Health Camp: Medical camps have been set up in the Gorkha district. Dr. Bhanu PGVS organized First-Aid camp, 47 people attained medical relief and medicines were distributed. o Hygiene promotion: Education, Awareness and Demonstration regarding usage of Aquatabs (NADCC- water purification tabs) in affected community along with distribution of 1200 tabs. 7 All figures are based on Christian Aid s internal reports

11 Awareness generation on Earthquake and safe water and sanitation by CA trained team. 10,000 Hygiene kits have been arranged for distribution Needs Assessment o Christian Aid team in the field and the partners are using the CA developed online assessment form (based on the UN OCHA formats) o Team completed Rapid Assessment as per JRNA format in Gorkha district and Chebetor VDC. Community meeting and individual interface was organized in the affected area.

12 THE ASSESSMENT Christian Aid decided to conduct a more detailed needs assessment of the earthquake situation, focusing on worst-affected districts. The aim of the exercise was to identify major gaps in the unmet needs of affected people. A team of six members, comprising of technical experts from RedR India, who have a general understanding of overall assessment methodologies to capture critical qualitative and quantitative data and information in order to inform decision making process for humanitarian response, was formed and tasked with the multi-sectoral needs assessment. The team: 1. Pradeep Bharwad - Team Leader 2. Sriraman Vardarajan Shelter Specialist 3. Annie George Food Security and Livelihoods Specialist 4. Deepak K C WASH Specialist (native Nepali speaker) 5. Smriti Shah Health and Protection Specialist (native Nepali speaker) 6. Meenakshi Monga Nutrition Specialist Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the team met with Christian Aid s Regional Emergency Manager to further discuss and understand the scope and extent of the assessment as there was no ToR which was formally prepared for the exercise. Upon discussion the objectives, scope and duration of the exercise were agreed upon as follows: OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSESSMENT To assess the extent of damage and impact of earthquake on WASH, shelter, health, food security, nutrition and livelihoods current situation and possible immediate change. To assess how people are coping (strategies adopted for meeting basic needs) in the context of the current situation (negative or positive) on the basis of support from their own self, external support from relatives, government and other agencies. To assess the status of women and children (protection issue if any). To analyse Christian Aid s ongoing response (for the first month) focusing on its relevance and timeliness. To identify the worst affected districts and VDCs and possible geographic locations for the response.

13 To recommend areas of interventions for humanitarian response in the 2 nd and the 3 rd month. The team conducted field assessment from 4 to 12 May 2015, of the affected areas in Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts. These districts were identified as worst-affected. Furthermore, the team also assessed the WASH situation in Tundikhel camp, Kathmandu. VDCS VISITED FOR ASSESSMENT No. District VDC/Municipality Ward no. Phulpindada 3 1 Sindhupalchok Barabesi 5 Melamchi Bagaicha 6 4 Duipipal 7 2 Nuwakot Tupche 2 Ratmate 7 Kalleri 7 Kumpur 7 3 Dhading 7 Salyantar Arughat Shrinathkot 2 4 Gorkha Nareshwar 1 Dhawa 1 Bunkot 3 5 Kathmandu Tundikhel Camp ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY Review of reports of initial rapid assessment which was previously conducted. Focus group discussions and small community meetings with men and women. Secondary data collection from government, UN and NGOs. Review of all the available data and information from different sources. Interviews with relevant district level government officials. Transect walks and observations in the affected VDCs/areas/camps/temporary settlements. Data compilation, analysis and presentation.

14 SECTOR-SPECIFIC FINDINGS, OBSERVATIONS, INFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS SHELTER AND NON FOOD ITEMS Observations 1. General overview Amongst all the sectors, maximum damage has been observed in the Shelter sector. The earthquake has resulted in severe destruction of shelters, public buildings and other community infrastructure. On an average, 60-90% of the shelters have been destroyed. The remaining have suffered partial damage. Only a small fraction of the shelters have not suffered any damage, though most of them could be vulnerable to aftershocks or other hazards in future. 2. Building systems in the assessed districts In the most severely affected districts of Nepal, construction of shelters is based on a variety of building materials and systems ranging from the traditional systems to the modern and conventional building materials and technologies. The traditional building system comprises of random rubble (stone) masonry bound by mud mortar or brick masonry in mud mortar, and mud floor on wooden beams for the floor in the case of flat roof and Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI) sheet or slate (stone) on wooden rafters and purlins. Based on the visual observation and interaction with the affected communities, the estimated proportion of shelters with various construction systems are given below: Building system Kuchha: Random rubble/stone walls or brick walls constructed in mud mortar; and Mud floor supported on wooden beams for flat roof, or slate roof on wooden rafters and purlins for sloping roof Pucca: Brick or concrete block walls in cement mortar, Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) slab for floors, RCC framed structure with brick or concrete block infill walls, Brick walls and Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI) sheet sloping roof Proportion of shelters in the affected area 85-95% 5-15%

15 3. Shelter damage Most of the shelters constructed using traditional building materials and systems (which account for 85-95% of the shelters in the assessed wards/vdcs) were found to be completely destroyed, burying food grain stock, kitchen utensils and other household assets in the rubble. Some wards/vdcs have very high percentage of completely destroyed houses. For example, 105 out of 125 shelters were completely devastated in ward no 7 of Kalleri VDC, in Dhading district. Similarly, all of the 21 shelters in the cluster at Melamchi- Bagaicha were completely destroyed. In Bunkot in Sindhupalchok district, 225 out of 303 shelters were destroyed. A significant proportion of the shelters constructed using traditional systems have suffered severe damage, though not total collapse. This proportion ranges from 10-20% of the shelters. In ward no. 4 of Duipipal VDC in Nuwakot district, about 30 of the 140 shelters suffered severe damage rendering the shelters uninhabitable. A small fraction of the shelters suffered either no damage or just minor cracks and minor damage. Largely the shelters constructed with pucca building systems or traditional stone masonry constructed with good materials and ensuring high quality of workmanship and construction details fall under this category. It is to be noted that construction based on pucca materials like bricks and cement have suffered major damages in some cases Completely damaged house in Kalleri VDC, Dhading district Severely damaged house in Melamchi Bagaicha 6, Sindhupalchok district due to apparently inferior quality of materials and poor workmanship and construction detailing.

16 Summing up, the assessment indicates the damage status of shelters as given below: Damage/status Description % shelters, on an average Completely Complete collapse of shelter (walls and roof), which 40-90% destroyed cannot be rehabilitated or retrofitted. Materials may or may not be salvaged. Severely damaged Either portion of walls damaged or roof missing but 20-40% structure standing and appears to be intact but not worth rehabilitating. Materials can be salvaged. Moderately Cracks on walls, near window or door opening, roof 5 to 10% damaged Not damaged or just minor damage intact, can be repaired and retrofitted. Suffered minor surface level cracks, no separation of walls. Less than 5% Moderately damaged house in Shrinathkot VDC, Gorkha district House with minor/no damage in Duipipal VDC, Nuwakot district 4. Loss of Non Food items Most households have lost their kitchen utensils, eating plates and tumblers, water storage pots and other household items like blankets etc. under the debris. Some households managed to salvage and retrieve whatever they could. As there is also reduced availability of food, the need for kitchen items has not emerged to the fullest. In some cases, clothes also have been lost in the damaged shelters.

17 5. Displacement of families All households with very minor damage to shelters have moved out and are staying in temporary cover installed using locally available material. This is out of fear and shock they have experienced during the earthquake. The condition of their shelter in the displaced location is poor and will not last long in the imminent monsoon season. 6. Relief materials for shelter A great deal of variation in terms of distribution of shelter material, is observed amongst the places visited for assessment. In some wards/vdcs, affected households have received tarpaulin sheets whereas in many other locations, no household has received any tarpaulin. For example, in Kalleri VDC, (ward no.7) all the 125 households have received tarpaulin. Displaced people living in emergency shelters at Bunkot VDC, Gorkha district Inferences Most of the shelters in the affected districts appear to have been either completely destroyed or severely damaged rendering them uninhabitable and therefore, need to be abandoned. This would be 80-90% in Sindhupalchok and Dhading districts, 70-80% in Gorkha district and 60-70% in Nuwakot district. About 5-15% of the shelters which suffered moderate to minor damage can be repaired and retrofitted. The shelters with only cracks as a sign of damage account for less than 5% of the total shelters, and would need minor repair. Almost all the households, including the ones whose shelters have minor cracks, have moved into open spaces near their shelters and have built temporary structures and are staying there. This is due to loss of shelter and also due to fear of aftershocks. Shelter materials such as tarpaulin have been distributed to the affected households but not in all locations. In many wards and VDCs visited, people were seen putting up temporary shelters using CGI sheets purchased from the market. However, it was found that not many households can afford to buy shelter materials. There is an urgent need to address the need for an

18 appropriate transitional shelter that can last from 6 months to one year such that it provides privacy, security and dignity, besides protection from tremors, rains etc. Affected households do not have adequate kitchen utensils, water storage containers and other household necessities. In many places visited during the assessment, it was observed that as electricity was cut-off, people were living in open spaces even during the night. There is an urgent need for distributing household items and basic NFI kits to enable the needy households lead a normal life in the transitional shelters. Recommended Action Immediate to medium term (2 nd and 3 rd month after disaster): 1. Design of transitional shelter based on CGI sheet roof on timber poles/structure, with wooden planks or local materials as infill walls, incorporating basic earthquake-resistant features. 2. A shelter kit designed in line with the transitional shelter design to be distributed to each affected household to enable them to put up their transitional shelter. The kit shall consist of CGI sheet bundles (2-3), wooden poles, tool kit and accessories such as bolts and nuts. 3. Technical training to masons and carpenters, beneficiaries and supervisors for ensuring appropriate safety features in the transitional shelters. 4. Distribution of NFI kits. Long term: 1. Detailed assessment to be undertaken to identify beneficiaries for whom moderately damaged shelters have to be retrofitted and those who require permanent shelters. 2. Reconstruction programme based on build back better approach using locally available materials and systems as far as possible.

19 FOOD SECURITY Background Information on National Food Security A study conducted by the World Food Programme (WFP, 2009) on the hunger index for Nepal states that, on the Global Hunger Index (GHI)5 score, Nepal ranks 57th out of 88 countries. With a GHI of 20.6, the severity of hunger in Nepal is alarming. Inadequate food security for the population across the regions is one of the main causes of hunger in Nepal. High dependency on traditional agriculture, low productivity, poor distribution, small land-holdings, limited offfarm and wage-earning opportunities and exclusion based on traditional and socio-cultural beliefs are also major contributing factors. Proportion of people suffering from hunger Indicator Goal 2015 Underweight children aged between 6-59 months (%) Population below minimum dietary energy consumption (%) Stunted children aged between 6-59 months (%) n/a ( Given this background, the impact of the earthquake on agriculture and availability of food is a matter of concern particularly in the upper regions where the quake has had the most severe impact. Observations All the locations visited, other than three, are totally dependent on agriculture for food security. This was largely so because they practiced subsistence farming and all their produce is stored for their domestic consumption. Rice is the main staple diet of the affected population and besides rice paddy, they also cultivate wheat, maize and millet, all of which contribute to their annual food security. The harvest of paddy was completed and the rice was stored in the shelters. This stock could not be retrieved from the houses which have collapsed. Also from partially damaged houses where the stock could be retrieved, it was rendered inedible as it was contaminated by the debris. Hence, the households suffering full and/or partial damage are fully dependent on external sources. Wherever some stocks could be salvaged, rice was being shared amongst the affected families

20 in the days following the disaster. This was being done before external support was available, as a result of which stocks were depleted. Families will have to wait for two months before their current crop of maize can be harvested and used for consumption. Based on the observations it can be inferred that the families, in all the affected villages are dependent on external intervention through supply of rice and cereals for their food security. There have been responses from the Government, humanitarian agencies and individuals. The Government, through the VDCs, supplied 15 kgs of rice, 1 kg Dal, 1 packet of salt and half litre of oil per family in Phulphinder. However, this is not uniformly observed across the VDCs visited. In some areas nothing apart from 10 kgs of rice has been supplied. Villages visited in Nuwakot claimed that they are yet to receive any ration from the government. In Ward 4 of Duipipal in Nuwakot, the VDC provided Rs. 7000/- per family in two instalments (Rs. 2000/- in the first and Rs. 5000/- in the second) as relief measure. This was announced even in Ward 7 of the same village, but no payments were made so far. We came across an interesting approach in Barabesi of Sindhupalchok, where the VDC took pro-active measures and used their own funds along with funds accessed from other humanitarian organizations to supply about kgs of rice to their affected families. However, being a large village, they were unable to cater all wards and supplied to only the wards clustered in the accessible areas, which, most likely were habited by the better off families. There was an agriculture cooperative, which made 10 kgs of rice available to its members. Inter-village conflicts were reported in Dhading where the villages in the higher terrains were deprived of the material meant for them as the villages in the lower terrains forcibly stopped the supply vehicles and diverted them to their villages. Materials are not able to reach the far flung villages, thus, raising security problems, as was reported in Duipipal where villagers were scared of increased theft in their areas. Inferences All villages visited were concerned about their food security. The available stocks will not last for more than one week in the worst of the conditions or for more than one month in the best of the conditions. This is the most pressing issue and needs to be addressed immediately. The district level officials informed that the materials were delivered to common storage areas, sometimes through helicopters, based on the indents given by the VDCs. From these common warehouses, the material was sorted based on VDC requirements and sent by road to the

21 village. From the village, it was the responsibility of the VDC to ensure delivery of the materials to the affected households. There was no mechanism to ensure effective distribution. Given the scattered nature of the habitations and the sheer spatial size of the wards, ensuring flow of information is not smooth and rapid. This may be one of the reasons why some of the villages have not received any supplies so far. Geographical marginalization is a risk and special attention will have to be paid to ensure equitable distribution. Recommendations 1. Food security in the coming days will be a major concern across all affected villages and will have to be taken up on a priority basis. 2. The communities will require this support till their current maize crop can be harvested and they get other means of livelihood e.g. by participating in income generating activities like cash for work programmes. 3. The package should have all essential commodities required like rice, dal, oil, salt, sugar, tea powder. 4. Support for safe storage of essential supplied also will have to be addressed till the houses are rebuilt. 5. Community based distribution mechanisms can be set up to ensure equal/ equitable distribution of available resources like in Kalleri where the community took whatever was available and shared equally among the affected families.

22 LIVELIHOODS Back ground on Livelihoods in Nepal Agriculture Agriculture is the major livelihood component of the Nepalese economy. It provides employment opportunities to 66% of the total population and contributes about 34.7 percent to the GDP( Official website of DoA- Economic Survey: 069/70). Two-sevenths of the total land is cultivated, of which 1.5 million hectares produced 3.7 million metric tons of the staple crop of rice in Wheat and maize together take up a similar portion of the available land, with harvests of 1 million metric tons and 1.5 million metric tons, respectively, in Agriculture in Nepal has long been based on subsistence farming, particularly in the hilly regions where farmers derive their living from fragmented plots of land cultivated in difficult conditions. The major land holdings fall in the range of 0.1 to 1 hectare. Cropping pattern with land holdings (National Sample Agricultural Survey of Nepal ) No of Holdings Area in Ha Early Paddy Main Paddy Wheat Maize Millet under % % % 4 8% % % % % % % % Total % % Overall Total % 32 % 29 % % 34 % 29 % The cropping pattern also shows that a large percentage of the small land holdings cultivate paddy, wheat, millets and maize only. The areas visited reflect the overall livelihood pattern of the country, with more than 90% of the affected population dependent on agriculture. However, all of them followed subsistence farming and did not have large surplus for sale. There was a rising trend of foreign remittances with Phulphin Dada in Sindhupalchok claiming more than 50% of the households having at least one person abroad in places like Saudi Arabia, 75 % % % 35 % 32 % 82 %

23 Qatar and Malaysia. However, this was seen only in about 5 of the 13 locations visited and hence cannot be considered to be a common prevalence. This practice ranged from 2% in one village to 50% in Phulphin Dada. About 2 to 5% of people are working with the government and an equal percentage are in the armed forces. Although tourism is also an important source of livelihood in these areas, it was not visible in the villages visited. A very small percentage of population are involved in petty trades and businesses. Some of them suffered damages and lost their stock. For example the total market area in Kalleri was wiped out causing losses to the traders and businessmen. Standing crop, mainly maize has not undergone any observable damage. The cultivable land holdings have not been affected by landslides or silt deposition following the earthquake. Hence, their harvest of maize in the coming two months is safe. Some of the farmers mentioned that their Maize crop observed in Dhawa VDC, Gorkha district. stock of paddy seed saved for the next sowing season has been lost. While local varieties of paddy seeds can be procured from their local neighbourhood, seeds of hybrid varieties like CR 312 will have to be procured from India. As there is no damage to crop or land, agriculture as a livelihood will not be affected. However, it would be helpful to: 1. Support the farmers who are planning to cultivate hybrid varieties of paddy by providing them certified seeds for the next cultivation cycle. 2. Support farmers through loans or other means in procuring draught animals. Farmers preparing maize seed for sowing in Melamchi Bagaicha 6, Sindhupalchok district

24 3. Provide water resistant bins/silos/other storage mechanisms at subsidized rates to the farmers to store their harvest safely in the following monsoons. This can be a permanent feature to ensure that they do not suffer such damages in the eventuality of another disaster. 4. Support intensification of paddy cultivation by promoting techniques like SRI. Livestock Livestock, mainly bovine, small ruminants and poultry are also widely kept in the homesteads and they provide an additional source of income. Livestock is kept in almost all villages and there is a loss of cows, buffaloes as well as goats and poultry. This loss was mainly due to the design of the building where the living spaces of the humans are built above the shed of the cattle. The cattle were killed when the houses collapsed on their sheds. Given the small landholdings, the large ruminants were utilized more for their draught power and cattle dung than for milk production as their productivity was very low. The milk produced was generally consumed by the family. Hence, while dairying was not an occupation or a source for their livelihood, the loss of the cattle will still affect farming practices and they will have to use alternate methods for tilling and fertilizing their fields in preparation of the next cultivation period. None of the families have resorted to distress sale of any of their remaining livestock as a coping mechanism during this period. In some of the villages visited, the cattle and the people were observed to be sharing living spaces. Markets, small trades and businesses Surviving livestock in makeshift animal shelter in Tupche VDC, Nuwakot district The damage to the shops and stocks has impacted the tradesmen and businessmen of the villages visited. Other than in one area, no increase in market prices of essential commodities was observed. In some places packaged items (such as biscuits and noodles) which could be salvaged, were shared with the affected communities in the first two days. However, they will require assistance not only to rebuild their shops but also their businesses.

25 With the loss in stocked dry rations/grains of the communities, these shops wherever affected, will have to start being fully functional soon. They can be supported through: 1. Reconstruction of their shops. 2. Financial assistance, either as grant or soft loan to replenish their lost stock. Collapsed shops in Arughat market, Salyantor VDC, Dhading district Recommendations Currently, the pressing emergency is to pump in money into the local economy. However, this has to be done carefully and systematically so that the adaptive (and thus coping) nature of the communities is not lost through free flow of money. Immediate Livelihood interventions: 1. Debris Removal and Cash for Work Programme: Given the fact that the families have lost all their food stock and belongings, they will require disposable income in form of cash to start rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. There is a lot of debris in the individual houses and community buildings and spaces. The communities can be engaged in debris removal under Cash for Work programme. This will ensure flow of money in the economy for the next couple of weeks. 2. Training and support for construction of water and pest resistant low cost silos for storage of harvest can help develop into a business where such silos are constructed and made available locally. This will be in great demand in the next two months. 3. Supply of certified paddy and other seeds to farmers for cultivation in the coming season. 4. Soft loan/grant support for procurement of draught and/or milch animals. 5. Soft loan/grant support for restarting small businesses. 6. All villages which were visited requested immediate construction/repair of sanitation facilities. Interested individuals (both men and women) can be trained in construction of

26 low-cost sub-structures and even superstructures so that the task of reconstruction of the toilets can be taken up on a large-scale commercial basis. 7. Training in low-cost earthquake-resistant reconstruction: The communities are going ahead with reconstruction of their houses either on a temporary basis or a semi-permanent basis. Most of them will be opting for traditional construction materials and practices. Interested individuals can be trained in low-cost, disaster resilient, traditional construction practices to help with the massive scale of reconstruction required.

27 WASH Water supply Springs are the only source of water in many VDCs while rivers are an alternate source in some. There are community managed water supply systems providing limited quantities of water daily. VDCs having their own spring source access water round the clock. It seems that there is access to sufficient quantity of water, however quality is questionable. In some cases, partially damaged water sources and supply systems were repaired by the affected people themselves. The earthquake has affected the spring sources in the hills. It has been observed by the people that while some sources have dried up, the yield in others has increased. People are using alternate sources of water wherever the springs have dried up. This requires more time and effort as they have to cover long distances to fetch water from either the rivers or other springs. People could not salvage water containers from the collapsed houses. Thus they have to now rely on whatever containers (with or without lids) to store water. This has the potential of compromising the quantity and quality of drinking water. Damaged water supply pipelines in Tupche VDC, Nuwakot Assortment of water containers in Melamchi Bagaicha 6 VDC, Sindhupalchok District Sanitation Latrines are damaged in most VDCs. Many districts declared ODF (Open Defecation Free) previously, now face a big challenge for restoration of that status. Many temporary shelters have built temporary toilets which are of sub-standard quality though they are useful in containing and disposing excreta in a safe manner. However, such toilets are few in number. Toilets which are undamaged and functional, are being shared by people.

28 With shelters being considered a primary need, the construction of toilets will take a back seat. Resources for construction will not be allocated for toilet construction. This needs to be addressed in order to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure privacy, dignity and security. Hygiene A single functional toilet shared by nearby houses in Dhawa VDC, Gorkha District Sufficient water is not available in areas where piped supply is disrupted. People have to rely on alternate sources of water supply. This has had a negative impact on the daily routines of the people. It seemed that hygiene is not a priority for now. As of now, no support has been provided to the affected people to ensure their personal and domestic hygiene. They are managing on their own. No hygiene kits or dignity kits are provided to the needy. Recommendations 1. The existing water sources need to be repaired and restored immediately. 2. Water quality monitoring should be done to ensure safe water provision, either at community level or at household level. 3. Water storage containers at household level must be provided to prevent secondary contamination of safe drinking water. 4. Community toilets can be constructed as an emergency response till the affected people rebuild their houses and toilets. 5. Hygiene/dignity kits should be provided to each needy family. 6. Strengthening the capacity of the Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV) in public health promotion can be more effective at the VDC level.

29 HEALTH Observations All the health facilities in the districts visited appear to be affected by the earthquake. Each facility has suffered structural damage and developed major cracks. A major issue is lack of access to health facilities by the VDCs. It was observed to be very difficult because almost all sub health posts are located at great distance from the VDCs visited. On an average, it would take a minimum of 2 hours walk to reach them. The basic treatment for headache, diarrhoea, gastric ailments and minor injuries continue to be provided at these facilities. Female community health volunteer are yet to resume their visits to the VDCs after the earthquake, and this has disrupted the outreach programmes. According to the affected communities there has not been any outbreak of any disease so far. There are cases of mild diarrhoea reported in some VDCs and the potential of escalation is high due to open defecation and consumption of untreated water. In Kalleri, a medical tent was set up and the sub health post was operated from there. In few other places health camps are conducted by NGOs. Immediate medical care was given to the injured victims by either air-lifting them or with the help of ambulances. Post disaster, there has not been any assessment of the condition of pregnant and lactating women. In Nareshwar VDC of Gorkha, the affected community reported that there are pregnant women in the VDC and they are not visited by the Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV) or by maternal and child health volunteers. Their nutritional requirements are compromised. Supply of essential supplements like iron and folic acid are interrupted as the FCHVs have not distributed them in the community after the earthquake. The diet pattern of pregnant and lactating women has deteriorate as they have gone on from consuming a balanced diet to eating only beaten rice and locally available noodles which have very low nutritional value. In Gorkha district one community reported that they received sanitary napkins but in other districts they have neither received sanitary napkins nor do they have any clean cloth to use during menstruation.

30 Recommendations 1. Immediate resumption of provision of maternal and child health care and facilities to maintain cold chain of essential vaccines is required. Setting up temporary medical camps near the VDCs would be beneficial in ensuring easier access to health care. 2. Surveillance of current health status of the community. 3. Distribution of Iron and folic acid supplements to pregnant women, fortified food to mothers and children under age of 5 years. 4. Provision of safe delivery kits for the pregnant women. 5. Distribution of blankets and warm clothes for children under the age of five years and elderly population. 6. Identification of those patients who were on DOTs and continuing the medication as soon as possible. 7. Special diet therapy would be suggested for those who are living with HIV/AIDS. 8. Sanitary napkins could be distributed along with relief material.

31 PROTECTION Observations After a decade long civil war, a fallen monarchy, a fledgling democracy and a disastrous fractured political system, Nepal s caste system has influenced relief work in some cases. Sporadic incidents of aid being diverted from the truly needy to the powerful were reported in the media. However, no protection issues emerged during discussion with the displaced communities visited for assessment. Cases of gender based violence have not been reported post disaster. A particular community was concerned about theft. They stated that burglary was on the rise as they were living in tents and were thus unsafe. Open defecation has become prevalent post disaster. As the community is not used to open defecation, they do not defecate during the daytime. This could be a major security threat for women and girls. Lack of shelter is a major issue of concern. Those who are living in temporary shelters lack privacy as well as protection. Electrical supply is intermittent and sporadic. There is constant fear of rains triggering landslides, and damaged houses collapsing any time. The inability to source construction material to repair or re-construct their own houses, lack of proper and safe shelter etc. are all leading to a sense of frustration amongst the affected communities. There is a high probability of social insecurity leading to prolonged mental trauma in the community. In all the four districts assessed, most of the young generation was settled in cities or abroad. As a result of this, elderly people had been taking care of themselves. However, based on the current situation, they require shelter support. Similarly, female-headed households are facing problems in accessing relief and in building temporary shelters particularly in case of the houses which have collapsed. Recommendations 1. Construction of toilets is extremely important, not merely to prevent outbreak of diseases but also to ensure protection from animals and perpetrators in the community. 2. Provision of emergency/transitional shelters will provide security and privacy.

32 NUTRITION Observations Major concern is the possibility of increase in malnutrition levels. In most of the communities visited, food stock cannot be retrieved from under the debris of the destroyed houses. In communities like those assessed in Nuwakot and Shrinathkot, it was observed that people are helping and supporting each other by sharing kitchen space and food rations. But, at the same time they fear that soon they will run out of food A family surviving on Chivara (beaten rice) in Dhawa VDC, Gorkha District stock. Fearing this, families have reduced the food intake. Most of the families are dependent on rice and chivara (beaten rice), biscuits or chow-chow (pre-cooked noodles) etc. which do not provide adequate energy and nutrition. Continued compromise in terms of food intake by children and mothers may pose a threat of increased cases of micronutrient deficiency, childhood morbidity, acute malnutrition and even stunting, especially in worst and moderately affected areas. In Kumpur, infants under 6 months are breastfed and are also given biscuits. However, according to WHO guidelines, infants under 6 months should be exclusively breastfed for first six months of their lives followed by appropriate complimentary feeding. On the other hand, prior to earthquake, pregnant and lactating mothers were eating meals including rice, dal and curry which provided better nutrition. Although, these practices changed drastically after the earthquake, it was observed in Nareshwar that the families have reduced the amount of food from three times in a day to only two meals a day which include rice and beaten rice. Moreover, non-availability of milk and insufficient family food is having a negative impact on the health of the people. There are about pregnant women in the ward who were previously regularly visited by Female Community Health Volunteers, but have not been visited by anyone after the earthquake. This could lead to decreased distribution of IFA (Iron Folic Acid) and other supplements of minerals and micronutrients according to the guidelines followed by delayed or missed ante-natal and post-natal check-ups. Loss of livestock has resulted in decreased intake of animal products, source of protein and calcium. Furthermore, damaged/non-functional water sources could have negative health impact including dehydration and water-borne diseases. This could have dangerous impact on

33 health of vulnerable groups like infants, children, pregnant and lactating mothers as well as the elderly. There is no information regarding existing malnourished and HIV affected/exposed children in the community. And the post-earthquake lack of, access to health facilities and nutritious, energy-dense food puts them at a greater risk of health deterioration. Recommendations 1. Provide staple food items to affected population, with special focus on pregnant and lactating mothers. A food basket can be distributed with products including cereals, pulses, milk products, vegetables, fruits (especially citrus fruits) and animal source foods in order to ensure that needs for protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are met. Provide energy and nutrition bars to meet the immediate needs,. 2. Provide micro nutrients supplements for each age group, especially focusing on infants and children under 5 along with pregnant and lactating women. 3. Ensure provision of Iron Folic Acid supplements as per recommended protocols. 4. Conduct rapid nutritional and mortality surveys like SMART. 5. Management of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) at facility and community level. - End of Report -

34 RedR India GOKUL House No. 1, Sur. No. 79, Plot No , Pooja Park, Kothrud, Pune India Tele Fax: Tele: For more information on RedR India and its work please visit: