With the return of the remaining four volunteers at the weekend, THW's operations in Nepal were completed after 44 days. After the devastating earthquakes, THW operated mainly in Kathmandu. On behalf of the Federal Government and upon request of the Foreign Office, THW deployed 33 experts to represent German Humanitarian Aid. The THW volunteers treated drinking water for the survivors, were active on behalf of the German embassy in a variety of tasks, inspected buildings and also supported the UN as well as the EU in the areas of logistics and the coordination of the international aid. The operations were financed by the Foreign Office.
As the first international organisation, THW could ensure the supply of drinking water in parts of Kathmandu. After only a short period, the drinking water treatment units ran at their maximum capacity and the water laboratory was ready for operation. Thus, in recent weeks, the THW volunteers could distribute about 1.4 million litres of drinking water to the distressed population. This quantity corresponds to about 10,000 bath tubs filled with water. To some extent, the population collected the drinking water directly from THW's water distribution points. The main part of the essential resource was delivered to the surrounding districts by means of hired water tankers. Kathmandu turned out to be the optimal location for the two drinking water treatment units: The local water infrastructure had been damaged by the earthquake and many people had become homeless due to the quake or could not return to their houses. They camped in several parks and were supplied by THW with drinking water. With the two units, the volunteers treated about 10,000 litres of water per hour and could therefore supply up to 30,000 people per day with clean water, which met the requirements of the WHO-standard.
Furthermore, in water laboratories, which they had taken to the country, the German drinking water experts examined countless samples from sources and wells from the whole area. This activity considerably improved the supply of the population with water.
With the assignment of the Rapid Deployment Unit Water and Sanitation Abroad (SEEWA), THW contributed to lifting one of the most important emergencies: The lack of drinking water. On the other hand, the Rapid Deployment Unit for Salvage Operations Abroad (SEEBA) was not deployed. The reason for this is the time factor, which plays an important role, when it comes to rescuing trapped people. Therefore, organisations from the vicinity of the earthquake area undertook this task. “The operations in Nepal show that THW can be deployed away from home together with motivated and well-trained specialists. I would like to thank all volunteers as well as their private and professional surroundings for their wide-ranging support”, said THW-President, Mr Albrecht Broemme at the completion of the operations.
As an important player of the German Humanitarian Aid, THW and their experts were active in Nepal on behalf of the German embassy. For many years, as part of humanitarian immediate response after special events such as, e.g., natural disasters, THW has supported the Foreign Office and the German world-wide diplomatic missions abroad with so-called “Embassy Support Teams”. In such situations, these specially trained teams have the task to assist the German embassies with coordination services and to support the crisis committee work. Because of the high number of stranded tourists in Kathmandu, THW's support was in particular demand by the local diplomatic mission.
We will be happy to put you in touch with appropriate interview partners to give you more information about this successfully completed THW mission abroad!