Nepal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, as highlighted by the World Bank (2005), ranking 11th globally in seismic risk, fourth in climate change risk, and 30th in flood risk. These multiple hazards significantly increase the country’s susceptibility to emergencies, including frequent disease outbreaks, particularly waterborne diseases, as well as other public health threats.
A major earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on Richter scale struck on 3 November 2023 around midnight with its epicenter at Ramidanda of Jajarkot district of Nepal followed by several aftershocks affecting all districts in Karnali Province and some districts in adjoining provinces.
A total of 154 people died and over 900 were injured. Injured were provided emergency care services at hospitals located at Surkhet and Nepalganj. There was massive loss of property with over 26,000 houses being completely damaged and more than 35,000 houses were partially damaged. Of the 278 health facilities in three most affected districts, 77 health facilities were affected and 13 became non-functional. The affected districts experienced more than 300 additional aftershocks which further exacerbated challenges faced by the affected population.
Responding to request for support from Govt of Nepal, WHO provided immediate assistance from SEARHEF for coordinating humanitarian and health response. SEARHEF support was utilized to establish working stations for surge support including fleet management enabling swift mobilization of personnel to the affected districts. WHO in collaboration with partners, prepositioned medical emergency logistic stockpiles at Provincial Humanitarian Staging Area. SEARHEF was also used to procure and supply 500 sets of hygiene kits, 50 major trauma backpacks, cholera kits, water purifier tablets and establishment of three temporary health centre using Medical Camp Kits (two tent based and one panel based). The grant was also utilized to support collaborative surveillance, strengthen laboratory capacity and undertake risk communication and prevention and response to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PRSEAH) activities.
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Operations Support and Logistics-Jajarkot experienced a 6.4 magnitude earthquake on November 3, 2023, followed by more than 300 aftershocks.