Attachments
Highlights:
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A 6.4 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Ramidanda in Jajarkot District, around 65 kilometers northeast of Surkhet, Karnali Province in western Nepal, struck on 3 November 2023, with several aftershocks occurring thereafter.
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According to reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs, (MoHA/NDRRMA), 153 (male: 70, female: 83) are confirmed dead and 364 people injured due to the earthquake.
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UNICEF estimates around 250,000 people, including 80,000 children are affected in the seven most affected municipalities of Jajarkot and Rukum West although this number is likely to rise has assessments continue in the additional 5 municipalities.
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Water needs have increased with 250,000 people including 80,000 children needing water, sanitation, and hygiene services. UNICEF is targeting 150,000 people (51,000 children).
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School buildings have been damaged, with 142 fully damaged, 343 partially damaged and 89 school toilets partially damaged. 80,000 school-aged children have been affected by earthquake.
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Over 25,000 people, including over 8,500 children, require psychosocial support, and around 10,000 require awareness and sensitization information on prevention and response to Gender Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE), including referral and response mechanisms.
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Further, an estimated 1,280 children under the age of five need severe acute malnutrition treatment.
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UNICEF has reached 4,320 households (over 21,000 people, including 7,140 children) with critical WASH supplies (hygiene kits, plastic buckets, water purifying solution), as well as tarpaulins and blankets. In addition, UNICEF has set up three medical tents in the affected areas to continue providing health care services, while actively supporting the establishment of six child friendly spaces to provide among others, mental health and psychosocial support services.
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Under government leadership, the coordination between the Government, the UN and partners continues at federal, provincial and district levels to guarantee a cohesive and efficient humanitarian response.
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Given the significant unmet needs of children and women, additional resources will be required to ensure timely and effective humanitarian response.
Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs
On 3 November 2023, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Karnali Province in western Nepal, with several aftershocks occurring thereafter. The epicenter was in Ramidanda (Barekot Municipality) in Jajarkot District, around 65 kilometers northeast of Surkhet, the capital city. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, and as of 7 November, 153 people (male: 70, female: 83) were confirmed dead and more than 364 injuries sustaining injuries. In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs/Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (MoHA/NDRRMA) reported that more than 61,000 houses were damaged in the 13 affected districts, with 26,520 being fully destroyed and 35,391 partially damaged.
With the initial clearing of debris, improved access to the hardest-hit locations, and better availability of data, concerns persist about the extent of the devastation and the impact on children. This is particularly concerning as the earthquake has affected approximately 80,000 children residing in the areas most affected by the earthquake, with reports showing that children account for 50 to 60 per cent of the casualties and injuries. While communities are striving to restore a semblance of normalcy by salvaging what remains from the aftermath of the 6.4 magnitude earthquake, the situation remains dynamic in terms of humanitarian requirements, the scale of damage and overall impact.
The initial rapid assessment is being provided with the involvement of clusters and government partners. Nonetheless, UNICEF anticipates a significant ongoing need for humanitarian support, specifically for the well-being of children and women. This necessitates adequate funding for a prompt response and the resumption of critical social services, including provision of water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), health, nutrition, and continuous access to education and child protection, in addition to ensuring accountability to affected population (AAP). Priority interventions include search and rescue operations, case management, shelter provisions, healthcare services, provision of WASH, and the protection of children.
UNICEF remains committed to collaborating with the Government and partners across various levels to gain improved access and understanding of the needs of children, women and vulnerable groups.