On the night of November 3, 2023, at approximately 11:47 p.m. local time, a seismic event measuring 6.4 magnitude rattled Karnali Province in western Nepal. The quake, centered in Ramidanda in Jajarkot District, situated about 65 kilometers northeast of Surkhet, the provincial capital, was followed by numerous aftershocks. The impact extended beyond Karnali Province, reaching Sudurpashchim and Lumbini provinces, as well as other regions of Nepal. Reports even indicated tremors being felt as far as Delhi, India. As of November 5, 2023, the earthquake has claimed the lives of 157 individuals in Karnali Province, with 105 casualties reported in Jajarkot and 52 in Western Rukum. Additionally, several hundred people are said to have sustained injuries. As a result of the earthquake, people became displaced from their home and run out of shelter.
As per the UNICEF (https://www.unicef.org/media/148881/file/Nepal-Humanitarian-SitRep-Earthquake-27-November-2023.pdf)
• Out of approximately 250,0003 people (including 80,000 children) who were affected by the earthquake, UNICEF estimates that around 200,000 (including 68,000 children) still require humanitarian assistance.
• Approximately 150,000 affected people (including 51,000 children) are in critical need of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.
• The earthquake caused significant damage to educational infrastructure, impacting 898 school buildings (294 fully damaged, 604 partially damaged), along with 418 partially damaged school toilets. This is expected to disrupt the learning of around 134,0004 school-aged children (49 per cent girls), posing serious risk to their access to education.
• Over 25,000 people (including 8,500 children) need psychosocial support, while approximately 10,000 require awareness and sensitization on prevention and response to gender-based violence in emergencies (GBViE), including essential information on referral and response mechanisms.
In response to this earthquake, the Rotary Club of Kathmandu initiated a relief program to address the urgent needs of the affected communities. The severity of the situation underscores the importance of swift and coordinated efforts to provide assistance and support to those in distress. The Rotary Club’s proactive response aims to contribute to ongoing relief and recovery endeavors in Karnali Province, reflecting the organization’s commitment to humanitarian aid and community service in times of crisis
To support the earthquake victims Rotary Club of Kathmandu in support of partner organizations. Till Dec 2023, RC Kathmandu raised over US$ 25,000 and have contributed for Earthquake Response Project in Rukum West and Jajarkot:
Phase 1:
Project Date: November 11 – November 14, 2023
Venue: District Administration Office, Musikot, Rukum West
Handover Date: Monday, November 13, 2023
Materials Handed Over:
● 100 Tarpaulins
● 200 Blankets
● 300 Jackets
● 300 Caps
The first phase of the Earthquake Relief Mission was lead by the members of Rotaract Club of Kathmandu, sponsored by Rotary Club of Kathmandu. The team including PP Rtr. Nisha Khatiwada, Vice President Rtr. Kritika Dahal, Membership Chair Rtr. Prince Chaudhary, Club Admin Chair Rtr. Ananta Malla handed over materials to at the DAO office, Rukum to
Mr. Prabesh Badhuwal, the Assistant Chief District Administration Officer and Mr. Hari Pd. Panta, the Chief District Officer.
Phase 2:
In response to the devastating Jajarkot Earthquake of 2080, the Rotary Club of Kathmandu initiated a relief project to assist the victims in the affected areas. The second phase of the project aimed to provide essential items to those severely affected by the earthquake in Jajarkot. The relief team, comprising four dedicated members including President Rtn. Kishor Uprety, PP Narayan Krishna Kharel, Vice President Rajendra Gautam and Service Project Chair Ashish Jajodia successfully distributed track suits, thermal sets, mattresses, floormats, caps, blankets, and zinc plates (50 bundles) to the victims on 30 Nov, 2023.
The relief team distributed the following items to the earthquake victims:
. Track Suit – 100 set
. Thermal Set – 100 set
. Floor mat (Foam Sheet) – 100 set
. Cap – 100 set
. Blanket – 100 set
. Zinc Sheets (Roofing sheet) – 50 bundles
Phase III:
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu have successfully advanced the Temporary Learning Center (TLC) reconstruction project at Shiva Bhawan Secondary School with 8 class rooms in Bheri Municipality, Ward no. 2, Bahundada, Jajarkot, as part of the Nepal Earthquake Reconstruction 2024 initiative. The project was completed in 10 days while the team took 12 days in total.
Further more, RC Kathmandu is still raising funds for Earthquake Response Project and request it’s partners to join hands with us. Following the relief efforts, the team is suggesting as follows for future:
1. Conduction of Reconstruction campaigns of School Buildings in the affected areas as more than 898 schools have been collapsed and government is willing to co-work in the area.
2. Establishing sustainable initiatives for economic recovery and resilience.
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu acknowledges the support received from the supporter clubs and organizations and expresses gratitude to all supporters, partners, and team members who contributed to the success of this project.
