#NepalEarthquake: UNICEF-EU Partnership Provides Emergency Supplies to Nepal
Airlift of two cargo planes with 80 metric tons of supplies provides humanitarian supplies to Nepal through the EU-UNICEF partners
NEW YORK (May 4, 2015) – Two cargo planes delivering each 40 metric tons of life-saving supplies to the regions in Nepal affected by the earthquake on April 25th will take off from Dubai to Kathmandu, Nepal. The humanitarian supplies will support UNICEF’s response, providing vitally needed aid to 1.7 million children and their families. The airlift was made possible thanks to a €400,000 contribution from the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection department (ECHO). The first ECHO-funded plane takes off on Monday, May 4th, with the second one due to leave on Wednesday, May 6th.
"When a disaster strikes, help is needed fast. The EU-UNICEF partnership has been able to react quickly, delivering lifesaving supplies to those most in need even when logistics are exceptionally challenging. Our contribution will play an important role in helping the most vulnerable communities in Nepal," said Claus H. Sorensen, Director-General, ECHO, European Commission.
To preempt the growing risk of outbreak of waterborne diseases, the planes will be delivering WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) supplies, such as chlorination material, diarrhea and cholera kits, as well as bladders, to provide for clean and safe water supplies. The cargo also included health kits and tarpaulins, as many families fled to the open space for fear of further after-shocks.
UNICEF and partners are planning to reach approximately 1.7 million children in the hardest hit areas, out of overall 4.2 million people in need of assistance in 21 affected districts.
“UNICEF has been able to respond instantly to the needs caused by this devastating earthquake” said Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. “These supplies are vital to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, such as cholera or diarrhea, which in this situation can kill children. These supplies ensure the continuity of health services and keep hospitals running. These supplies will help the most vulnerable, injured and in need of urgent medical help.”
The EU-UNICEF airlift is part of the €6 million aid package that the European Commission has made available. The EU Member States have provided important financial assistance as well as offered relief items and search and rescue teams through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The earthquake on a magnitude of 7.8 has thus far killed over 7,000 people and injured more than 14,000.
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information, contact:
Marci Greenberg, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2464, mgreenberg@unicefusa.org
About the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO)
The European Commission funds relief operations for victims of natural disasters and conflicts around the world. The Commission's assistance relies on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. The European Commission is among UNICEF’s largest humanitarian donors. In 2013 alone, it provided almost €100 million for UNICEF projects to help children.
ECHO is available on twitter: @ec_echo | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ec.humanitarian.aid
To know more about the EU-UNICEF Partnership for Children visit www.unicef.org/eu/