Download - Rapid dAssessment tReport Nepal Earthquake · WV Rapid Assessment Report: Nepal Earthquake 6 Lalitpur District Lalitpur is located in central hilly region of Nepal in Kathmandu valley.

WV Rapid Assessment Report: Nepal Earthquake 1

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I. ASSESSMENT BACKGROUND On 25 April at 11:56am local time, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, the largest to hit the country since 1934, struck Nepal impacting 39 out of 75 districts. While the death toll and casualty numbers continue to increase as information comes in from remote areas, current estimates indicate that there are 8019 deaths and 17,886 injured and 288, 798 houses fully destroyed and 254,112 houses partially destroyed1. Out of 198 countries in the world, Nepal is ranked as the 11th most at-risk country in terms of earthquake (UN/BCPR, 2004) with Kathmandu valley most at risk. Kathmandu, the capital city, was severely affected though the epicentre was 80 kilometres to the northwest in Gorkha. Two of World Vision’s operating areas—Lamjung and Lalitpur—were impacted. The national government has declared an emergency in 30 districts and appealed for international support. World Vision (WV) has been operating in Nepal since 1982 and had a total of 205 national and four international staff across the country prior to the earthquake. WV’s geographic presence spans 14 districts: Bhaktapur, Doti, Jumla, Kathmandu, Kaski, Kailali, Lamjung, Lalitpur, Morang, Rupandehi, Sunsari, Udayapur, Achham and Sindhuli. Over the past 33 years of operation, World Vision International Nepal (WVIN) has implemented programs focussing on emergency preparedness and response, DRR, health, WASH, child protection, education and livelihoods. This programming experience has seen WVIN develop strong relationships with local communities. In 2014, WVIN worked with 44 local partners to implement programs in 90 Village Development Councils (VDCs) and two municipalities across Nepal. These programs reached over 365,353 people including 187,380 children. WVIN is also a member of Association of International NGOs (AIN), formed by INGOs working in Nepal in September 1996 with 116 INGOs to date, working on a wide-range of issues and sectors to contribute to development efforts in Nepal.

II. KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Priority needs vary depending on the context. In the valley districts, Shelter and NFI,

WASH and Protection have been expressed to be the priorities. In the hill districts, Shelter

and Food (especially capacity to pay) were expressed to be the priority needs. With the

current living conditions, it is expected that increased reports of illness and disease will

begin to emerge in the coming weeks due to sanitation issues and ongoing problems with

crowded temporary shelter.

• Following the earthquake, families living in tents outside their homes and in spontaneous

camps have fallen into clear patterns of vulnerability, causing them distress and suffering

with a lack of access to adequate shelter, compounded by insufficient food & water (hill

districts) and toilets (valley districts), and a lack of information about overall relief efforts.

• Based on the available information, the response should consider shelter, food, health, sanitation, education and protection specifically support for children as well as immediate implementation of information sharing and establishment of Complaints and Response Mechanisms (CRMs) for short term to medium-term interventions.

• In relation to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), with the coming monsoon season, frequent

aftershocks and high risk of landslides, coordination with communities to help them

prepare and mitigate for disasters is critical. Families and communities will significantly

decrease their vulnerability if they have prepared adequately for the safety and security of

all family members in the event of a disaster.

1 http://www.drrportal.gov.np/ As of 8 May, (at 18:00, UTC+5:45)


• While the need is recognized for obtaining household level information to better understand their critical needs/problems and suggested solutions, this is not yet possible as there is an agreement with the government and INGOs not to conduct assessments without aid distributions. The assessment team is ready to begin primary data collection once approval is obtained.

III. METHODOLOGY Following the earthquake, a Category III Global Response was declared on April 26, 2015. WVIN deployed 30 technical specialists from its Regional and Global Network to support the national response effort. Between 27 April and 5 May, within 48 hours of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hitting Nepal, WVI Nepal staff were deployed to assess the general condition of a number of affected districts. The methodology employed for the assessment was a mix of interviews and direct observation, which is verified with secondary information from government and UN reports. A total of 44 interviews were conducted with community members and government representatives across the seven districts. The purpose of this light touch assessment is to provide an overview of the needs and gaps in the selected districts. A total of seven (7) districts have been covered;three (3) valley districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bakthapur) and four (4) hill districts (Sindhuli, Lamjung, Gorkha, Sindhupolchowk).

District Municipalities/VDCs covered by Assessment

1. Lalitpur Khokana, Bungmati

2. Bhaktapur Telkot,Besitole, Pipalbot/Lama tole, Gargare,

3. Kathmandu Sankhu, Ichangu, Army Camp, Sitapaila,Gongbu Bus Park,

Ichangu Narayan , Bishnumati Corridor

4. Sindhuli Bahuntilpung, Balajor, Basheshwar, Bhubaneshwari, Bitijor, Dudhbhanjyang, Jarayotar, Khangsang, Kholagaun, Lampantar, Solpathana, Sumnam pokhari, Tinkanya, Toshramkhola, Ratanchura VDC and Kamalamai

5. Lamjung Gauda, Kolki

6. Gorkha Paslang, Aappipal,Harme, Gorkha Mun

7. Sindhupolchowk Chautara – Army barrack, Jalbire, Baramche

To assess which geographic areas will be targeted, based on strategic priorities, a rating system was designed to provide a comparable score for each district to aid in the assessment of impact and decision-making. The rankings and overall proportion of humanitarian need in each district was calculated based on the formula of poverty incidence x magnitude of damage x severity of damage. The Area Affected Analysis (AAA), based on publically available data, allows the WVIN Response Team to use a range of vulnerability and impact data to get a clear picture of where the most need is. At the time of reporting, VDC level data is available for Lamjung, Sindhuli, Gorkha and Sindhupolchowk districts.

AAA - Gorkha 20150509.xlsx

AAA - Lamjung 20150508.xlsx

AAA - Sindhuli 20150508.xlsx

AAA - Sindhulpalchok 20150509.xlsx


IV. FINDINGS GEOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW The ranking of the districts below was based on Area Affected Analysis (AAA) data. The 3W data detailing the footprints of other agencies will also be maximized to ensure that planned activities are complementary to other relief efforts. Based on this analysis of the situation, the Response will target the following districts as priority areas:

District Rationale Lamjung District

Lamjung comprises of 61 VDCs and has a population of 168,652 people or 37,228 HHs. A western hilly region in Nepal, the main source of income is agriculture. The municipality has a poverty incidence of 16%; over 27,000 people live below the poverty line. The earthquake damaged 8,622 houses (23%), 3,314 (38%) of which were totally damaged. It is ranked #12 out of all affected districts. Lamjung is an ADP-covered area covering 6 VDCs (Banjhaknet, Baglungpani, Parewadanda, Sundarbazar, Tarku, Nalma) and 1 municipality (Besishahar).

Sindhuli District

Sindhuli has a population of 300,853, spread across 54 VDCs/municipalities located in a central hilly region of Nepal. 15,028 or 22% of houses were damaged, of which 2,776 or 18% were totally damaged. It has a poverty incidence of 38%, with 114,374 people living below the poverty line. It is ranked #10 out of all affected districts. Sindhuli is an ADP-covered area covering 14 VDCs-8 VDCs in the east (Lampantar, Bahuntilpung, Toshramkhola, Kholagaun, Dudhbhangyang, Sumnam Pokhari, Khangsang and Solpathana) and 6 VDCs in the west (Jarayatar, Balajor, Tinkanya, Baseshwar, Bhuwaneshwari, and Bitijor).

Gorkha District Gorkha has a population of 275,711 people spread across 67 VDCs scattered in hard-to-reach, villages across mountainous terrain. This district was the site of the epicentre of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal 25 April. 45,595 (74%) houses were totally damaged. As of May 8, 410 people have been killed in the district and more than 1,000 injured2. The earthquake has aggravated already poor existing conditions. Gorkha ranked number 2 amongst all affected districts. This district is not covered by an ADP. Electricity and water supplies are available in some areas and the markets are only partially functional



with markets in large portions of the district not functioning3. However, access to rural areas in the district remains difficult. Aftershocks continue, with two strong quakes recorded on 6 May causing additional landslides in rural areas, including in Laprak, Gunda and Lapu. In Laprak, humanitarian partners reported a lack of shelter, food, water and medicines. Some villages in northern Gorkha are reachable only by foot trails; thus, there is a recommendation to strengthen partnerships with local trekking and porter associations to reach remote areas.4

Sindhupalchowk District

Sindhupalchowk ranked number 1 of all affected districts. It is a non-ADP covered area and has a population of 285,950 spread across 79 VDCs/municipalities. It has a poverty incidence of 25%. 63,887 or 96% houses were totally damaged. Although this district is close to Kathmandu, it is one of the least developed districts in Nepal. People depend entirely on agriculture for their survival. Since the district is hilly, the land is not very fertile, and the yield is very low. Almost every VDC has access to electricity, and roads connecting to the highway. Many NGOs and INGOs are working in the district in order to improve living standards. Two FM radio stations also operate from Melchaur and Bahrabise. As of the latest figure, more than 3,000 people died in the district, and hundreds of people were injured. 5

Kathmandu District

Kathmandu has a total population of 1,916,667. 60,855 houses were damaged with 27, 640 houses totally damaged. As of latest figures from the government, Kathmandu reported 1,222 deaths and 4,634 injured, second to Sindupalchowk. Kathmandu district is a part of the Kathmandu valley, which is a melting pot of various cultural groups, ethnicities, races, languages and religions. Most of the offices and industry of Nepal are in Kathmandu. The district exports handicrafts, artworks, garments, pashmina, paper etc. Tourism is one of the main industries of the district. It ranked number 11 of the affected districts. Some of the issues in this district prior to the disaster include poor waste management, rapid urbanisation, street children, child labour, child abuse, child trafficking, and a high rate of youth unemployment and the impact of the earthquake will potentially exacerbate these problems.

3 KSAP Nepal Government’s (Ministry of Agricultural Development and National Planning Commission) and WFP

Report Release 3. May 8, 2015.

4 UN OCHA Nepal Earthquake 2015 Situation Report Num 12(as of May 8, 2015)

5 http://www.drrportal.gov.np/


Lalitpur District

Lalitpur is located in central hilly region of Nepal in Kathmandu valley. This is a WVIN covered area covering 8 VDCs namely Sainbu, Khokana, Bungmati, Dukuchap, Harisiddhi, Thaiba, Godamchuar, Bisankhunarayan where the Lalitpur Earthquake Preparedness Project (LEPP) and Youth Development Projects are being implemented. This district has a total population of 505, 490 with 22, 590 (20%) houses damaged. More than 38,000 people are living below the poverty line. It ranked number 13 out of the 39 districts affected by the earthquake. A substantial portion of the population is engaged in trades, notably in traditional handicrafts and small scale cottage industries, and some residents work in agriculture.

Bakthapur District

Bhaktapur is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu valley and is the smallest among the seventy-five districts of Nepal. It has a total population of 327,907 but around 3% of the people were likely absent and working abroad based on a census conducted in 2011. 9,000 houses are reported to be damaged with 7,000 houses totally damaged. It ranked number 16 of the affected districts.

SECTOR OVERVIEW SHELTER AND NFI According to the Government, the earthquake destroyed 288,798 houses and partially damaged 254,1126. Most of the damage is recorded outside Kathmandu. 7 Based on field visits in the seven districts, many of the houses in the areas affected by the earthquake were heavily damaged/destroyed. Initial reports indicate that up to 90 per cent of the houses in Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk districts have been destroyed. 8 As a consequence, many affected families are currently staying in makeshift tents made of spare clothing, bed cover, sacks and in hill districts straw and hay. Based on direct observation, people are staying in open bus park areas, cattle sheds specifically in hill districts, on the roads or farm areas. People are cramped and squeezed in one tent. In hill district rural areas almost all houses are constructed of stone and mud. Brick is used in the Kathmandu Valley.9 Structural assessment of public buildings and houses to determine which standing buildings can be safely used is needed rapidly before the monsoon season starts. Heavy rain could weaken structures and carpentry


7 UN OCHA Nepal Earthquake 2015 Situation Report Num 11 (as of May 6, 2015)

8 UN OCHA Nepal Earthquake 2015 Situation Report Num 9 (as of May 2, 2015)

9 NeKSAP Nepal Government’s (Ministry of Agricultural Development and National Planning Commission) and

WFP Report Release 3. May 8, 2015.


already affected by the earthquake and cause collapses.10With the approaching monsoon, the provision of shelter support needs to be as rapid as possible. In the interviews, respondents were asked about their suggested solutions to the problems identified as part of WV’s accountability to communities. Provision of tarps and tents that provide improved protection were the suggestions viewed by the respondents as among the primary solutions. While there is clearly an urgent need for emergency shelter relief, there has been a clearly articulated desire for aid agencies to look beyond this and provide support for the repair and reconstruction of damaged houses. The UNDAC team in Gorkha reported that the population requires tents and blankets urgently along with tools kits in order to rebuild their houses. 11Related to this, communities also expressed a need for information provision to better equip them to rebuild their houses in a manner that makes them stronger and more resistant to future disasters, as well as to more safely and securely store their food supplies. This finding confirms the report of other INGOs and UN OCHA Situation reports that shelter is a key priority sector. Rapid site assessments have identified an estimated 37, 494 people in 58 displacement sites in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. While number in the sites have dropped significantly since the 26th April in Kathmandu urban area, in Bhaktapur, where damage is more extensive, populations remain steady. In the urban areas of Kathmandu, site populations peaked on the night of the 26th April, dropping by around 70% from the 28th April. A high percentage of the population in the sites stayed in the open spaces as a precautionary measure while aftershocks persisted. 12In Gorkha, two broad types of displacement sites were observed, the displacement outside of villages and displacement within villages where the majority of people are sleeping directly outside their destroyed or damaged houses. The former type of site has a higher level of need.13 In the mountains, temperatures are dropping to below zero at night, worsening the conditions for people living in temporary shelter.14 To date, transport of emergency shelter to remote areas remains a challenge. 15 A significant number of people have moved outside of the Kathmandu Valley into the districts, reportedly to connect with family in home areas. Those whose home areas, as well as their Kathmandu accommodations, have been affected by the earthquake have been doubly impacted.16 WASH

The need for WASH interventions varies across the valley and hill districts and a contextualised approach will be needed. While water supplies in the hills (commonly from mountain springs) have largely not been impacted, there was a need for WASH interventions observed in the valley districts, with limited sanitation facilities available for those living in tents, and open defecation being reported as an issue based on the interviews with community people and government representatives. Water

10

UNDAC Assessment Report Gorkha District. May 7, 2015

11 UNDAC Assessment Report Gorkha District. May 7, 2015

12 CCCM Cluster. Displacement Tracking Matrix as of May 2, 2015

13 OSOCC Assessment Cell. Nepal Earthquake District Profile – Gorkha. May 9, 2015




16 CCCM Cluster. Displacement Tracking Matrix as of May 2, 2015


contamination due to lack of latrines has been reported in remote districts17. WASH is likely to become an increasing issue with the monsoon season starting shortly. Access to drinking water has been severely disrupted in some areas. Sindhulpalchowk district, the northern two thirds of Gorkha and the eastern half of Lamjung have limited access to drinking water. Water conditions in the affected areas were inadequate prior to the earthquake, with less than 90% of the population having access to improved water sources (pipes, tubewells, or handpumps). This situation has deteriorated as a result of the earthquake.18 There is a lack of WASH partners in Sindhupalchowk and Gorkha districts.19 In Gorkha, the prevalence of living conditions in which several families share living quarters and people generally living close together without adequate WASH facilities, adds to concerns of the possibility of outbreaks, in particular water-borne diseases. Cases of diarrhea and influenza have been reported, which, given the crowded conditions in shelters increase infection risks20 FOOD SECURITY Over 3.5 million people are estimated to be in need of food assistance. Of them, an estimated 1.4 million most affected people have been prioritized for immediate food assistance.21While most of the affected families were already vulnerable prior to earthquake, access to food was an expressed need by respondents in Sindhuli and Lamjung districts, particularly in relation to the ability to pay for food, as families have been unable to work in their fields since the earthquake and some have lost their food stocks. Food stocks have been destroyed in Sindhulpalchowk, Gorkha and Lamjung; the needs there are urgent (Annex-Map 5)22. Additionally, the food intake of more than 50% the populations of the northern part of Gorkha, the northeastern quadrant of Sindhulpalchowk, the easternmost portion of Lamjung and the entirety of Sindhuli districts were below the caloric intake threshold even prior to the earthquake23. In the NeKSAP and WFP Assessment, markets are reported to be recovering in the affected districts with 39% fully functioning and 57 % partially functioning (Annex-Map 4). In most mountain areas, market functionality was already limited before the earthquake and thus remains disrupted. While 39 % of markets were reported as functioning, with shops open and food stocks available, high demand, price increases and unavailability of some commodities were also reported. While partially functioning markets are showing signs of recovery, many shops are still closed due to fear of aftershocks, structural

17

UN OCHA Nepal Earthquake 2015 Situation Report Num 9(as of May 2, 2015)




20 Health Cluster Bulletin # 1 as of May 3, 2015




23 Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), WFP and World Bank. Small Area Estimation of Poverty, Caloric Intake and

Malnutrition in Nepal. September 2006


collapse, security, or depleted stocks.24 This will continue to impact vulnerable hpuseholds, with limited availability of food increasing prices exacerbating access and affordability issues. In Gorkha, food stocks have been severely affected in VDCs (Annex-Map 5) in the mountainous areas, as houses storing food stocks were destroyed in the earthquake and people have been unable to salvage them. Agricultural livelihoods have been significantly impacted for some households, and need to be restored to prevent risk of further food insecurity. 25

EDUCATION All schools are currently closed, but it is anticipated that they will start again on 15 May. As of May 2, 1,383 schools were fully damaged and 3,170 schools partially damaged spread across the affected districts.26 At least 950,000 children in Nepal will not be able to return to school, unless urgent action is taken to assess schools in the affected districts and provide temporary learning spaces where schools are destroyed. The government, teachers unions and cluster partners noted the need for psychosocial support for both students and teachers as schools plan to reopen27. Based on field visits and interviews with community members, children have expressed a desire for the schools to resume, so that they can be with their friends again and regain a sense of normalcy. PROTECTION There is a need to ensure equitable and principled distribution of relief and consider specific needs of vulnerable groups. Reports were received that relief distribution in rural areas does not adequately consider the special needs of vulnerable groups. The Dalits (lowest Hindu caste), elderly and people with disabilities reported to be are unable to access distribution points.28 In many villages, the majority of working-age men are migrant workers abroad, leaving women, children, and elderly in charge of the recovery efforts. A majority of households in Gorkha are headed either by women, or men older than the age of 50. These households may be at a disadvantage in terms of clearing rubble, salvaging materials and repairing their homes. 29 There are concerns that they may be subject to discrimination that leads to differential distribution of humanitarian aid, which agencies should be aware of to ensure that no specific groups will be left out.30 As of May 2, a total of 54 IDP sites have been established largely comprised of spontaneous settlements with 5,783 individuals spread across four districts (Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Sindupalchowk).31 Of the 140 camp sites (hosting some 41,890 people) in Kathmandu Valley only nine per cent have some type of camp management, 48 per cent are overcrowded and 91 per cent do not

24

NeKSAP Nepal Government’s (Ministry of Agricultural Development and National Planning Commission) and




26 Education Cluster-Affected Districts Initial Check as of May 2, 2015


28 UN OCHA Nepal Earthquake 2015 Situation Report # 12(as of May 8, 2015)

29 CARE. Nepal Gender and Protection Overview. April 29, 2015

30 OSOCC Assessment Cell. Nepal Earthquake District Profile – Sindhupalchowk. May 9, 2015

31 CCCM Nepal Displacement Matrix as of May 9,2015


have segregated toilets according to the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) 32. Based on the field visits, most of the people are currently staying in makeshift tents, squeezed and cramped with mane people sharing one tent. Cases of sexual violence have been reported in camps in Kathmandu33. Further, 8% of people in a BBC Media Action survey requested information about how to get help after a sexual assault or harassment. Child marriage is practiced in Gorkha. Concerns that the numbers might increase post-crisis, as child marriage can be a means to ease economic burden for families affected by the earthquake. 34 People in the most remote villages are so cut off from the central government that they in many cases lack Nepali citizenship, which may lead to them being overlooked in the relief effort.35 Having official documents, such as citizenship papers and land ownership documents is a concern, and may impact access to compensation.36 HEALTH AND NUTRITION According to UN OCHA Sit Rep # 12, a total of 240 primary health care centres and health posts were destroyed and 347 damaged in 14 districts. The delivery of medical supplies to remote villages remains a challenge, due to limited airlift capacity. Health and maternity services in the affected areas need to be restored. Disease surveillance needs to be strengthened.37 It is estimated that 168,000 mother of children (0 to 23 months old) require breastfeeding support. An estimated 126,000 children (6 to 23 months old) require nutritious food. 70,000 children (6 to 59 months old) with moderate acute malnutrition require supplementary food and approximately 15,000 children (6 to 59 months old) with severe acute malnutrition require therapeutic feeding. 362,000 children (6 to 59 months old) and 185,000 women require micronutrients. 200,000 children (6 to 23 months) and pregnant and lactating women require blanket supplementary feeding programme. With all these needs, the lack of skilled nutrition staff at the community level continues to be a challenge. 38

Most of the community members interviewed are experiencing continued fear and anxiety, particularly around ongoing aftershocks. Many continue to stay in tents and other crowded temporary shelter, exposing them to the elements and increasing the risk of disease. Health services in Gorkha, Sindhulpalchowk and the eastern half of Lamjung are largely inaccessible or severely constrained, with injuries and trauma related to the earthquake going untreated39. Based on the interviews with government representatives, there have been cases of diarrhea, colds, fever and ARI reported, especially in children. Villages in mountainous areas are also reporting an increase in the occurrence of respiratory infections, especially in children under age-5. In addition, dead animal management is crucial to avoid the spread of other illnesses.40

32

UN OCHA Nepal Earthquake 2015 Situation Report # 12(as of May 8, 2015)

33 OSOCC Mepal Earthquake Situation Analysis. May 5, 2015

34 CARE. Nepal Gender and Protection Overview. April 29, 2015

35 OSOCC Assessment Cell. Nepal Earthquake District Profile – Gorkha. May 9, 2015

36 OSOCC Assessment Cell. Daily Forecast. May 9, 2015







Humanitarian agencies recorded cases of psychosocial trauma in the affected communities. Additional mental health and psychosocial support services are needed.41 ACCOUNTABILITY There is a serious need for increased information regarding the overall relief efforts. Based on observations and interviews, people are not feeling informed and engaged in the relief process. The need for information provision and the establishment of Complaints and Response Mechanisms (CRM) in target communities is urgently needed. In the information needs assessment conducted by BBC Media Action, 53% participants said that getting general news on what is happening around within country is very much essential for them. Similarly, others emphasized the need for information regarding relocation, as well as news from their home towns. Before earthquake, the preferred mediums to receive information were radio (38%), family members, friends or village leaders (23%) television (25%), newspapers (2%), mobile phone (3%) and internet (2%), according to a Nepal Media Survey conducted in September 2014. With this data, the culture of listening to radio and direct communication is high. FM radio tops the source of information followed by television. Also, for around 46% of the people, mobile is cited as source of information.42 However, it is noted that in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake when communication systems were down, respondents expressed a preference for obtaining information and news directly from family and community leaders. Lack of access to electricity was cited also as barriers for accessing information in the BBC Media action needs assessment. It is important to note that in the report, 40% of the respondents cited did not know who to ask and no information available (28%).

V. RECOMMENDATIONS

• Immediate provision of quality shelter and reconstruction are areas which World Vision should prioritize to help families reduce their vulnerability and build their resilience. With the coming monsoon in mind, World Vision should also be identifying those areas likely to suffer from landslides or flooding and provide adequate solutions to mitigate further suffering to families. In all reconstruction efforts, community members should be the first source of labor wherever possible as a means for families to earn income. Target families should include at the minimum: (1) those still living without tents or adequate shelter, (2) those living in areas likely to be affected by flooding and landslides and (3)those houses that are no longer liveable

• With most residents at high risk for sanitation-related illnesses based on direct observation, the distribution of hygiene kits and regular messaging around hygiene and sanitation should also be carried out. Drinking water supplies are constrained in numerous districts; the establishment of water points is recommended as the coverage of water systems in many of the affected areas was insufficient even before the earthquake.

• The lack of food is a major issue: while there have been some distributions conducted, many food stocks were lost in the disaster and the needs far outweigh the assistance provided. Further information is needed regarding families spending priorities which may potentially prioritized shelter over food with the coming monsoon season and which could further impact food security.

41

UN OCHA Nepal Earthquake 2015 Situation Report Num 12(as of May 8, 2015)

42 BBC Media Action Information Needs Assessment, May 5, 2015


• Information provision is a critical need and needs to be effectively addressed through the appropriate accountability mechanisms and community structures.

• With the coming monsoon season, frequent aftershocks and high risk of landslides,

coordination with communities to prepare and mitigate for disasters is critical for survival.

Families and communities will significantly decrease their vulnerability if they have prepared

adequately for the safety and functionality of all family members in the event of a disaster.

• An in-depth and detailed assessment (baseline) should be conducted prior to the beginning of the recovery phase to ensure the target communities are actively involved in the design of the programme and enable the Response to confirm or redefine its priorities based on identified needs.

• WV should closely work with the targeted VDCs and districts specifically on the beneficiary selection process to ensure that no groups will be left out.

VI. Annex

1. Maps 1. WV International Nepal Areas of Operation 2. Overview of Earthquakes and Aftershocks (UNHCR) 3. Nepal Earthquake Estimate of Population Directly affected by destroyed houses (as of

May 6, 2015) (MapAction) 4. Market Functionality (NekSAP and WFP Assessment Report Release # 3) 5. Food Stocks (NekSAP and WFP Assessment) 6. Transport Access (NekSAP and WFP Assessment)


Map 1. WV International Nepal Areas of Operation


Map 2. Overview of Earthquakes and Aftershocks


Map 3. Nepal Earthquake Estimate of Population Directly affected by destroyed houses (as of May 6, 2015)


Map 4. Market Functionality


Map 5. Food Stocks


Map 5. Transport Access