Preparing for the winter
Nepal has been hit with a severe fuel shortage, as essential supplies, cooking gas and fuel are not being imported. This is resulting in a massive backup of materials essential to humanitarian operations and hampering delivery of aid to areas affected by the earthquake. All non-essential travel has been restricted as Plan International focuses on maximising fuel to deliver as many supplies as possible under these constraints.
“Families have told us that they are not prepared for winter and urgently need clothes and blankets. Children’s health and well-being will be severely compromised without these items,” said Bryneson. “We are still working to provide urgent shelter and household materials to more than 16,000 families living in high altitudes, despite severely limited resources.”
Keeping children safe
“I had nothing to keep my child warm while she was sleeping,” says Kamala from northern Dolakha district, a mountainous area heavily devastated by the April and May earthquakes.
“My small child is suffering from a cold and fever and was coughing all night. The earthquake has left us homeless, foodless and without clothes," Kamala says.
Kamala is one of thousands of families who will receive mattresses and household items to prepare for the harsh winter season. Living in areas above 1,500 meters, families like Kamala will be forced to endure temperatures as low as -10 C while living in temporary shelters of tarpaulin and iron sheets.
Plan International is coordinating with other humanitarian agencies to access immediate supplies of fuel so that life-saving materials can be delivered to families before the worst of winter sets in.
Since April 2015, Plan International has supported 275,678 individuals, with 112,801 being children.
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