Being one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, Nepal is no stranger to natural hazards, including earthquakes.
In early November 2023, a powerful earthquake shook western Nepal, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Tens of thousands of homes were damaged as the country was bracing for bitterly cold winter months.
The European Union allocated €2 million to help partners deliver vital aid to the quake-hit communities. The package included tents and winterisation kits from its European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC) to make sure people stay warm while restoring their lives.
On 3 November 2023, a strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal’s western province of Karnali, causing heavy losses and serious damage to nearby villages. The tremor was followed by over 400 aftershocks, including one of 5.8 magnitude.
© European Union, 2023
The quake claimed over 150 lives and left more than 250,000 people in need of assistance, including some 30,000 whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
© European Union, 2023
“There was nothing left of what we called home when we came back,” recalls 28-year-old Laxmi. Along with her 18-month-old son Roshan, she was away the night the major tremor hit. “We had no place to stay, and it was getting very cold.”
© Save the Children, 2023
“After the earthquake, we had to live in a small goat shed, fearing to stay inside our home with deep cracks,” remembers 32-year-old Sita, a mother of 3 whose house was reduced to rubble. “We shivered all night without warm clothes and blankets.”
© Save the Children, 2024
To ensure affected people can make it through Nepal’s harsh winter, especially children, pregnant and lactating mothers and the elderly, the EU distributed winter tents to communities in 11 far-flung areas, in partnership with Save the Children.
© European Union, 2023
In a big logistics effort, 7 flights brought in-kind contributions from EU stocks in Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu. The materials were then delivered by trucks to affected towns in the west.
© European Union, 2023
Through the EU-supported initiative, a total of 800 tents have been provided to vulnerable families in the worst-hit districts of Jajarkot and West Rukum. These fireproof, waterproof, stove-equipped tents are spacious enough for a family of 5.
© Save the Children, 2023
"The tent has brought immense relief,” says Sita. “Now, my children can stay warm. It shields us from dew and dampness, and we can eat inside. Most importantly, it has provided us with some stability,” says Sita.
© Save the Children, 2024
“The tents have been of great benefit to us,” says Laxmi. “It’s been so much easier to keep Roshan warm, his health is improving, and we feel safe inside.”
© Save the Children, 2024
Although living in a tent may not be ideal, at least people are kept warm and safe while rebuilding their houses. “Now, I can be assured that my children, especially the 2 who have a disability, can be safe and warm inside the tent,” Sita adds.
© Save the Children, 2024
