IFRC scales up aid efforts in response to Jajarkot Earthquake

 Jajarkot Earthquake

Kathmandu, Nov 10: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal to raise 5 million Swiss Francs (equivalent to Rs 739 million) to scale up relief and response efforts of the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS).

The NRCS, with support from the IFRC and its partners, has been working with the government authorities after the earthquake happened on November 3 in Jajarkot district.

The NRCS is supporting search and rescue operations, providing first aid, psychosocial support, ambulance services and immediate relief assistance to the affected people, according to the IFRC.

Immediately post the earthquake, the IFRC allocated Swiss Francs 775,395 from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to support the affected families.

In-country Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies and partners have also pledged their support in this crucial time.

Programme Coordinator and spokesperson of IFRC Herve Gazeau said that NRCS has been on the ground since the first day and the Red Cross volunteers are delivering critical emergency services and relief support in the impacted districts.

"As we are racing against the time and with a sense of urgency to reach the most vulnerable, the IFRC is making an appeal to support the earthquake-affected families, especially given the arrival of winter in Nepal. IFRC and its partners pledge their continuous support to the NRCS throughout the process as they work to assist the affected families in the region,” the IFRC spokesperson said.

The current efforts include distributing essential items like tents, blankets, and mattresses, and preparing for any urgent blood supply needs in hospitals. The emotional well-being of those who have lost loved ones is also being addressed through psychosocial support by Red Cross volunteers and response teams.