International humanitarian relief agency increasing aid for survivors in urgent need of protective shelters to survive harsh weather
MIAMI— Building on the rebuilding work already underway in the regions of Nepal most devastated by two earthquakes six months ago, Malteser International, the humanitarian relief agency of the Order of Malta, has committed to strengthening its aid to the Nepalese people, in preparation for the upcoming frigid winter.
“Severe winter weather is coming and the Nepalese people will be hit hard,” says Arno Coerver, Country Coordinator in Kathmandu for Malteser International. “These harsh winter conditions will impact the living conditions of villagers, so it is imperative that we get building material for shelter construction out to the outlying villages as soon as possible.”
Malteser International staff is working alongside locals to build 63 safe and warm winter shelters in seven communities. The protective shelters will be equipped with a solar light and a smokeless stove for heating and cooking. The humanitarian aid agency will increase its reach and supply an additional 1,250 families who are in dire need with building and insulation material, as well as winter clothing, blankets, mattresses, and nutritious food as the winter weather looms.
“The earthquakes shattered the foundation of Nepal, but the need for relief was heard around the world,” said Ravi Tripptrap, Executive Director for Malteser International Americas. “We immediately responded and our supporters made a global impact to help the Nepalese who lost everything in the earthquake.” In the half year since the earthquake, Malteser International was able to provide aid to 70,000 people. More than 10,000 families – around 62,000 people –have received life-saving medical care, food, hygiene kits, tarps for temporary shelters, and toolkits, as well as given help to clear the rubble from their homes and villages. Since May, almost 7,500 sick and wounded people have received treatment at the aid organization’s field hospital in Lamosanghu, near the Chinese border.
As the brutal winter approaches, providing the Nepalese with warm shelter is an even greater priority for Malteser International. For survivors like Singha Bahadur Karki, 42, who cares for his physically challenged aunt, the aid they receive from the relief agency the only hope for a shelter they have. “If Malteser International was not there, my aunt would have nowhere to live.”
As part of their continuum of relief and sustainable development initiative, Malteser International plans to provide support in Nepal over the next three years. Together, with its local partners – the Rural Self-Reliance Development Center (RSDC), Dhulikhel Hospital and Kathmandu University – the humanitarian agency will rebuild houses and community centers, repair water supplies, build upon current medical care and increase mental health support for survivors.
About Malteser International:
Malteser International is the humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. With over 100 projects annually in some 25 countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Americas, Malteser International has been standing by those affected by poverty, disease, conflict and disaster, helping them lead a healthy life with dignity – without distinction of religion, race or political persuasion. Christian values and the humanitarian principles build the foundation of its work.