WHO requests US$5 million to help those injured in Nepal.
The World Health Organization estimates that 5 million people have been affected by the tragedy; in the first hours after Saturday's earthquake, the WHO distributed enough medicine to treat 40 injured people, but needs US$5 million for its humanitarian operations and is accepting financial contributions from donor countries and partners.
From UN Radio
United Nations agencies remain mobilized this Monday (27) to provide assistance to the population of Nepal, after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, which killed more than 4 people.
In an interview with UN Radio, the UNESCO representative in Nepal, Christian Manhart, explained that many roads are blocked with debris from buildings destroyed by the earthquake, and communication is severely compromised.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 5 million people have been affected by the tragedy. In the first hours after Saturday's earthquake (25), the WHO distributed enough medicines to treat 40 injured people. But the UN agency needs US$5 million for its humanitarian operations and is accepting financial contributions from donor countries and partners.
According to the agency, treating the wounded remains the primary need in the capital, Kathmandu. Hospitals are overflowing with patients, and there are reports of doctors treating people in the streets. Providing medication, surgical equipment, mental health care, psychosocial support, and helping the population recover from the trauma caused by the tragedy are the priorities.
The WHO is also sending a team of 10 public health and disaster response experts to the country to support the government's work in the areas of epidemiology, health surveillance, logistics, and mental health.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is mobilizing food stocks in the region and will send a plane tomorrow (28) with energy biscuits and other aid items. WFP specialist teams are already in Kathmandu helping with the disaster response.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) sent 11 plastic tarps and 4 solar lanterns to some Nepalese districts on Monday at the request of local authorities. A cargo plane will also leave Dubai carrying tarps and lanterns.
According to UNHCR, the tarpaulins will provide shelter for earthquake victims who lost their homes. In the absence of electricity, the solar lanterns could provide some light in areas affected by the disaster and help families charge their cell phone batteries.
The country has more than 21 refugees from Bhutan, who live in camps in the east of the country, and about 650 refugees and asylum seekers in the Kathmandu region, according to UNHCR.