KEY FINDINGS IN NOVEMBER
In November, community perception surveys highlight a mix of continued positive perceptions on certain elements of the earthquake response and no change to other elements. Overall perceptions on the progress of the earthquake response did not see a positive change from the previous round. Issues such as the fuel crisis, delayed reconstruction and winter preparedness factor into community perceptions on main problems and overall progress.
This round marked a continued positive trend in how communities perceive the government and NGOs in the response, information needs, and fairness of aid distribution. While these improvements are positive, community responses still show the need for humanitarian agencies to continue to strengthen its outreach and dialogue with communities and address their immediate winter related concerns.
Feedback collected from 17 agencies in the field also highlight the issue of beneficiary selection and aid distribution, reconstruction and winter preparedness as a challenge. Issues, such as quality, access, eligibility and insufficient aid continue to be raised by communities. Feedback also highlights needs related to winter, such as provision of warm blankets and clothes or access to local health posts with adequate medicine stocks and equipment.
Shelter and winter related issues remain the biggest concern for communities.
Community feedback, from multiple channels, raise concerns and questions related to reconstruction support. In particular, communities are looking for answers to their concerns and questions around grant/loan support and guidance for reconstruction.
With winter in full swing for people in Nepal, communities have also clearly provided feedback on their needs for cold protecting shelter and warm blankets/clothing. The fuel crisis, which has delayed support, is a concern moving forward as communities have clearly provided feedback on unmet needs.
Key Recommendations for November:
• Continue to strengthen outreach and dialogue with communities to ensure communities have the information they need and are able to provide feedback to shape response efforts. In particular, ensure reconstruction plans and guidance is shared with communities through appropriate channels, such as radio, television and interpersonal.
• Address immediate winter concerns raised by communities, including provision of warm blankets and clothing and information on how to stay protected from cold weather.
• Agencies should coordinate in monitoring implications of fuel crisis on humanitarian support to affected communities and develop appropriate strategies and measures in minimizing this impact.