Solukhumbu is one of the Eastern-most areas of Nepal and features high altitutes mountains. It is well known by trekkers as it is home to Mount Everest and its famous trails. The two major earthquakes which struck Nepal on the 25th of April and on the 12th of May were strongly felt in Solukhumbu, and thousands of people were affected. Solukhumbu was not put on the list of priority districts. Indeed, in terms of casualties, the people living in this district were thankfully more spared than in other areas. However, in terms of destruction, Solukhumbu was as affected as other districts. Acted teams went there to asess the situation.
40% of the population have had their houses fully destroyed
ACTED teams went to Solukhumbu to assess the situation and get data showing who is affected, where, and to what extent. In the 19 villages assessed in the district, official sources relate that 40% of the population have had their houses fully destroyed and 42% partially destroyed. Concretely, this means that over 11,500 families have lost their homes and are now forced to live outside. In one month, the rainy season will start, followed by winter, during which temperatures go below freezing point. It is thus crucial for those households to receive tarps, tents, and winterezed shelters, to continue living in dignity.
Almost half of the schools in the district have been destroyed
Another striking fact ACTED’s team discovered, is that almost half of the schools in the district have been fully or partially destroyed. This means that thousands of students were not able to resume school on the 31st of May after their holiday.
ACTED has already included Solukhumbu in its areas of intervention and will soon establish a base in the capital city, Salleri. Cash for Work activities, as well as distributions of shelter kits, winterized shelters, seeds and farming tools will start in the next few days. ACTED will support families by providing them with a temporary shelter, short-term income, and by allowing them to resume their livelihood activities.