Six months on - Nepal earthquake survivors face new challenges

World Vision continues relief efforts in the face of critical shortages of fuel and other materials

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Six months after a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, World Vision continues to overcome enormous obstacles to help people in need in one of Asia's poorest landlocked nations. Since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck on April 25th, Nepal has struggled to rebuild in the face of political uncertainty and a shortage of fuel for vehicles, which has hampered the distribution of relief supplies, particularly in remote regions.

Despite the challenges, World Vision's relief efforts have reached more than 200,000 people in affected areas around the country. The international humanitarian aid agency has distributed emergency shelter and hygiene kits and helped provide clean drinking water to households, as well as cash for work programs and cash transfers directly to people in need. As well, thousands of children have benefited from World Vision's Child-friendly Spaces, where they can learn, play and receive support in a safe, friendly environment.

Quotes:

"I am amazed by the resilience of Nepalese families. They have worked so hard over the past six months and we are happy to walk alongside families as they attempt to recover some sort of normal life," says Jennifer MacCann, World Vision's Nepal Earthquake Response Director. "Despite facing challenges, families are sending their children back to school, rebuilding their houses and starting to study economic opportunities."

"During my visit to Nepal in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, I saw the devastation to homes and businesses, but I also witnessed the courage and dignity of the Nepalese people," says Michael Messenger, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "Generous Canadians donated more than $6 million to World Vision's relief efforts for Nepal. Those gifts are already having a significant impact for children and families.

Fast Facts:

• The April 25^th earthquake in Nepal and the subsequent major aftershock on May 12^th left more than 8,800 people dead and totally or partially destroyed more than 350,000 homes in Nepal;
• Over the past six months, World Vision's earthquake relief efforts have reached more than 229,000 people in some of the hardest hit regions in Nepal; and
• More than 8-thousand children took part in activities at World Vision's Child-friendly Spaces in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu and in other communities where World Vision is working.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

To arrange interviews with World Vision staff in Nepal, media should contact : Bob Neufeld (Mobile: [phone]), [email protected]