Attachments
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background Information
This report presents the findings of the Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) of the Far Western Earthquake Response in Nepal. It has been meticulously prepared to serve as a valuable learning resource, particularly focusing on distribution management and highlighting cash-based interventions. The humanitarian response was carried out through collaboration between esteemed organizations, namely the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), American Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) together with multi-tiered government stakeholders. Among these partners, the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) took on the role of implementing the repose programme in the earthquake affected districts of Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal.
Reviewing the Situation Reports and Bulletins of NRCS, it was found that on the early morning of Wednesday, 9th November 2022, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.6 magnitude struck western Nepal. The epicenter was located in Khaptad Chhana Rural Municipality of Bajhang district, near the border with Doti district.
The seismic impact was felt not only in the immediate vicinity but also in neighboring districts such as Bajhang, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, and Rukum West. Additionally, the earthquake's tremors reached parts of India, including New Delhi.
Unfortunately, the region experienced another shock on 12th November 2022, further adding to the devastation in Bajhang District. Tragically, six individuals lost their lives, and eight others suffered injuries in Purbichauki Rural Municipality of Doti District, primarily due to houses collapsing.
As a result of the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, a total of 7,175 families were severely affected. The data collected from the affected District Chapters of NRCS indicates that 1,882 houses were destroyed severely in the districts of Achham, Bajhang, Bajura, and Doti, while an additional 6,181 houses suffered partial damage. The widespread impact had resulted in significant humanitarian challenges for the affected communities.
On 24 January 2023, at 2.43 PM, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck once again, this time with its epicenter located in the Himali Rural Municipality of Bajura district in Sudurpaschim Province. The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre reported the seismic event. According to Nepal Government authorities, the earthquake resulted in one reported death, three injuries, and damage to up to 42 households.
The impact of the earthquake was felt more intensely in the hilly districts of the region, causing damage to an additional 11 households in the adjoining Bajhang district.
Immediately following the disaster, the local government, along with the NRCS and other agencies, took prompt action to provide relief services. They offered shelter items, hygiene supplies, health assistance, water supply and sanitation, unconditional cash aid, and carried out protection, gender, and inclusion (PGI) related activities. Many families displaced by the earthquake have constructed transitional shelters while awaiting government support for the permanent reconstruction of their houses. Most agencies have completed their relief, response, and early recovery interventions ahead of the monsoon season of 2023.
NRCS played a vital role in the response efforts by deploying trained volunteers in Doti, Bajhang, Achham, and Bajura districts. They conducted assessments, search and rescue operations, provided first aid, evacuation, and immediate relief in close coordination with local government authorities. In Bajura, NRCS supported earthquake-affected families with multi-purpose cash grants to meet their immediate needs.
During critical times of Election Code of Conduct in action, NRCS delivered and distributed relief assistance alongside security forces to disaster-affected families in various locations. Non-food relief items (NFRI) were promptly distributed during emergencies through warehouses located in affected districts and the provincial center. NRCS District Chapters collaborated with local authorities to conduct assessments, distribute relief, and implement Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) approaches to enhance community safety and mitigate future losses and damages from similar disasters.
Given the scale of the disaster and its impact, IFRC allocated Swiss Franc (CHF) 495,735 from Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support NRCS in providing immediate relief services such as shelter items (Tarpaulin, Blanket, Mattress), dignity kits, transitional shelter, Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and multi-purpose cash (MPC) in the affected districts. The American Red Cross and Danish Red Cross also contributed assistance to complement and extend the relief operations to cover additional beneficiaries.