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Mega Earthquake hits Nepal, worsening an already devastated situation – NGO
Plan International staff in Kathmandu available for interview, eyewitness accounts
KATHMANDU, NEPAL – Protection, emergency relief and psychosocial support for children and affected communities has never been more critical following today’s mega 7.3-magnitude earthquake that shook an already devastated country, says child-rights humanitarian organisation, Plan International.
“An earthquake like today only resurfaces panic and fear amongst children and affected communities. Since the original earthquake struck, children have been living in a constant state of worry and stress, and a second earthquake of this magnitude will only worsen the problem and cause further devastation,” said Mattias Bryneson, Plan Nepal Country Director.
Plan International already has an extensive presence in the country, having launched a massive humanitarian emergency response following the 25 April Earthquake.
Currently, Plan teams are spread out across Kathmandu valley and several districts in the affected areas – carrying out their distributions and delivery of emergency items to families who have lost their homes and are in temporary shelter.
“The aftershocks continue to happen, people have flooded the streets in Kathmandu. Right now, we are setting out operations outside, waiting for the aftershocks to subside,” said Mike Bruce, Regional Communications Manager, who is in Kathmandu.
“There have been heavy rains in recent days, spurring on-going fear of landslides and further damage to already affected communities,” said Bryneson.
“For the past two weeks, we have prioritised the mental health and well being of children, so that they can begin to cope with the earthquake that hit weeks ago. Another earthquake like today – nearly as strong as the first one – will only send children back to their original state of fear. As we begin our assessments in the areas affected by today’s earthquake, it will be absolutely critical that we address the core needs of children,” said Bryneson.
MEDIA:
Photos from Nepal are available for download and use at: http://mediabank.plan-international.org/?c=22061&k=f5494169bd
FOR INTERVIEWS:
Staff from Plan International in Nepal and staff at the Asia Regional Office and headquarters are available immediately for interviews. To set up an interview, contact:
In Kathmandu:
Mike Bruce, Regional Communications Manager, Email: mike.bruce@plan-international.org
Mobile: +66 (0)81 8219770 | Skype: mikegbruce
Adam Cathro, Media Relations Manager, Email: adam.cathro@plan.org.au
Mobile: +977 9813138457
In the UK (Plan International Head Office)
Davinder Kumar, email: Davinder.kumar@plan-international.org | Mobile: +44 7773633835 | Skype: davinder.ih
In Bangkok:
Jessica Lomelin, Communications, Email: Jessica.lomelin@plan-international.org | Skype: jessicanicole621
About Plan:
Founded over 78 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world. We work in 51 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations.
About Plan Nepal:
Plan has worked in Nepal since 1978, helping poor children to access their rights to health, education, economic security and protection. In the hundreds of communities that we work with, there are difficulties accessing adequate health care and sanitation. The communities are often impoverished, which can leave them vulnerable. Plan has active programming and works with children and communities throughout earthquake-affected areas, and has field office in Makwanpur and Balung, close to the epicentre.
