Attachments
Highlights
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Two major earthquakes struck Nepal within weeks: a 7.8 magnitude on 25 April (epicentre Lamjung District, Western Region), followed by a 7.3 magnitude on 12 May (epicentre Dolakha district, Central Region).
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A FAO/WFP food security assessment is ongoing. FAO is assessing agricultural damage in 6 severely affected districts: Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Rasuwa, Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk. The latter two were severely hit by both quakes.
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The impacts on food security and agricultural livelihoods are expected to be very high. – Most marketing activities are severely disrupted, hampering access to food. – Stored food, seed stocks, storage facilities, livestock, fisheries, irrigation and other livelihood assets are damaged/lost. – Farmers were harvesting wheat, planting maize and approaching the rice planting season when the earthquakes hit. – Wheat and maize crops in the mountain and hill areas are likely to be most affected due to landslides and disruption of harvesting operations. Prospects for the forthcoming 2015 summer crops (rice and millet) are also in jeopardy.
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The FAO/WFP-led Food Security Cluster seeks USD 128 million to deliver critical food security assistance within the Nepal Earthquake Flash Appeal (launched 29 April). Needs arising from the 12 May earthquake are not yet reflected.
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FAO urgently seeks USD 12.5 million to address immediate needs, including to: – prevent post-harvest losses by providing immediate grain storage capacity – ensure 2015 rice, millet and vegetable planting through the provision of crop production packages – keep animals healthy and productive through the emergency provision of animal feed and veterinary supplies
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FAO has mobilized a total of USD 1.6 million, thanks to contributions from Belgium, Italy and FAO’s own resources.