Earthquake Response Operation

1. Introduction

Following the relief phase, Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has been focusing on an integrated recovery programme primarily targeting in 14 worst affected districts with four thematic components of shelter, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, livelihood and institutional capacity building (ICB) components. However, additional districts have been targeted with not all five but few components based on needs and availability of resources. Several other activities as identified through needs assessment such as disaster risk reduction (DRR) projects, blood transfusion programme, and environmental management projects have been included. ICB is considered as one of the major pillars of this operation.

The NRCS has envisaged concept of “one approach” i.e. one set of principles, one plan, one team, one programme, one tracking system and one reporting framework for the operation. This approach was developed together with partners, agreed and owned by all the partners supporting the recovery programme. Further, recovery planning is closely aligned to district government and NRCS strategies and approaches, and informed by good practice as outlined in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Recovery Guidance.

The NRCS formed Earthquake Response Steering Committee, a high level seven-member committee led by NRCS Chairman to ensure effective governance, management and movement coordination in earthquake response operation. Likewise, a five-member steering committee has also been formed in all 14 recovery programme districts and such committees are led by the district chapter president.