In Chapagaon, a small village less than 10 miles south of Kathmandu, families are sleeping outside in the rain after the recent earthquake destroyed or severely damaged their homes. Many of those with homes left standing would rather stay outdoors than risk entering a building that could now be prone to collapse.
Some families are sheltering in thin tents, while others are seeking refuge in the basic shelters on a nearby mushroom farm. Our team on the ground was able to reach the village and distribute much-needed emergency supplies.
Each family received a kit with essential supplies like tarps, blankets, cooking utensils, soap, towels and water purification tablets. These supplies will help families shelter from the pounding rain and stay healthy while struggling through these days immediately after the disaster.
There are about 100 people sleeping under six basic shelters on the mushroom farm, and more sleeping outside their damaged homes in small tents.
There are countless villages like this one that have yet to receive assistance. Our team is out delivering supplies by whatever means necessary — some villages are a day's drive away from Kathmandu and others have only been accessible to us by helicopter.
Mercy Corps staff members are doing everything they can to bring emergency supplies to the most vulnerable areas. We will be reaching people in need in six areas that have been identified as having significant need: Dolakha, Sindhupulchowk, Gorkha, Dhading, Kavre, and Nuwakot.