Support from Caritas is helping Bubita to rebuild her home. Photo: Tommy Trenchard/Caritas.
Caritas Australia has remained committed to restoring infrastructure, livelihoods, and community wellbeing in the earthquake-prone country of Nepal.
In April 2015, the devastating Gorkha earthquake shattered Nepal, with 9000 fatalities and more than 22,000 injured.
In an attempt to aid Caritas Nepal with its nations’ rebuild, Caritas Australia is playing a key role in providing the damaged cities with earthquake and disaster resistant houses to equip communities against future risks.
So far, Caritas has built more 4000 new homes and rebuilt 13 village communities across Nepal with earthquake resistant buildings through an empowerment campaign.
Melville Fernandez, Manager of Humanitarian Emergencies at Caritas Australia, described the ways that Caritas Australia is working with Caritas Nepal to improve entire communities following the disaster.
“Caritas Nepal continues to focus on effectively reaching the most vulnerable community members with shelter and livelihoods support. We recognise that households face many challenges to rebuild their homes and improve their lives and so are working with local communities to create employment opportunities,” Mr Fernandez said.
“Caritas Nepal’s active engagement with the government at the central and local levels has created opportunities which help these ongoing recovery efforts.”
Rohingya refugees are being given the chance to rebuild through the Caritas network. Photo: Christopher Riechert/Caritas.
For Chankhey Tamang, a Caritas constructed home has created a sense of hope for the future.
Mr Tamang, 48, is disabled with a family of six to look after, and was worried by the huge challenge of home construction.
“I can’t carry anything on my back, and I can’t walk long distances. Some people of other caste groups look down upon me because of my disability,” Mr Tamang said.
“Yet I was among the first ones in the village to reconstruct shelter, and I am extremely thankful to Caritas Nepal for all the support they provided me to accomplish this task.”
Immediately following the earthquake, the global Caritas network was able to reach more than 59,000 households in some of the hardest hit areas with emergency aid, including temporary shelters, blankets, water and hygiene kits, and non-food items.
To support Caritas Australia as it helps Nepal move into a brighter future, donate at: caritas.org.au/asia