#PrayforNepal
Mon, Apr 27, 2015
United Nations humanitarian aid agencies and partners are currently mounting a large response.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal has caused widespread destruction
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal at 11:46 on Saturday 26 April 2015, with its epicenter hitting in Lamjung District. This was followed by dozens of aftershocks including a 6.7 magnitude earthquake on 26 April 2015, at 12:54 local time. Assessments are still ongoing but according to the Government of Nepal, the death toll has risen to more than 2,200 people with more than 5,800 people believed to be injured.
United Nations humanitarian aid agencies and partners are currently mounting a large response, with initial priorities being on search and rescue operations, followed by assistance in the health, logistics, protection, shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, and education sectors.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Joint Environment Unit, UNEP Post Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, and UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific stand ready to support the Government of Nepal as part of the larger United Nations response.
The UNEP Executive Director and UN Under-Secretary-General, Achim Steiner has written to the Government of Nepal offering UNEP's support in addressing any secondary risks caused by the earthquake and its after-shocks. UNEP also remains committed to assist the Government of Nepal in the longer-term environmental recovery, as part of the larger UN-supported recovery effort, should this be required.
Possible environmental consequences that may pose further hazards to already vulnerable affected communities include effects on possible industrial sites, collapse of sewage systems and ensuing contamination of water sources, landslides and disaster waste. Assessments are currently being mounted and a response will be planned once the results of the assessments come in during the course of the next few days.
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