On November 3, 2023, at 11:47 p.m., a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck several communities in the Karnali district of western Nepal, causing an undetermined number of victims and injuries. The epicenter was identified in the locality of Jajarkot. Doctors for Peace, together with the local partner CDF, is intervening with the distribution of mattresses, blankets and warm clothing to 157 families affected by this natural disaster.

The context

According to the latest data released by the Nepalese Ministry of the Interior (06/11/2023), in the most affected communities, those of Jajarkot and Rukum Pashim, there are 17,792 homes completely destroyed and 17,529 that have suffered significant structural damage. A new earthquake of magnitude 5.6, which occurred on Monday 6 November, further damaged the already unsafe structures. 382 minor tremors, recorded between 3 and 6 November and still ongoing, are forcing the population to sleep outdoors or in makeshift shelters.
The arrival of the winter season is putting the displaced population in serious difficulty: the villages affected by the earthquake are in fact located over 1000 meters above sea level.

Activities

In this context, the following urgent needs were identified by Physicians for Peace, in coordination with its regional contact person for Asia and the partner organization CDF:

• Food
• distribution of mattresses, blankets and warm clothing (“Winter kits”);
• health support for problems generated by the seismic event and/or prior to it (e.g. families with children, the elderly, people with disabilities, people with chronic diseases, etc.).