This district profile, which is based on a review of secondary data and primary data collection in the northern areas of the district, outlines the current humanitarian needs in Gorkha and existing information gaps.
SHELTER
90% of the district population – 240,000 people according to the 2011 census – are not living in the same shelter as before the earthquakes according to a Shelter Cluster assessment. While around 5,000 people reside in spontaneous settlements, the large majority are staying in makeshift shelter close to their homes (p.3). Gorkha is one of the most-affected districts in terms of damage to shelter. 98% of households report housing damage as a result of the earthquakes. This includes any form of damage, including minor cracks. 55% of houses were reportedly heavily damaged or completely destroyed. Only 6% of those have started repairs and durable construction materials, particularly corrugated galvanised iron sheets, and labour are needed (p. 5).
VULNERABLE GROUPS
The district has a relatively high proportion of female-headed households (37% according to the 2011 census). Elderly-headed households were identified as the most vulnerable group, followed by female-headed households, in a survey of key informants during a multi-sectoral assessment of seven northern VDCs (p.3).