ACT News Update

Nepal 01/04

Geneva, April 22, 2004--Lutheran World Federation - Nepal (LWF), a member of the global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, responded to a cold spell in late December and early January in the southeastern plain of Nepal by distributing blankets to the most vulnerable individuals and families.

LWF reported temperatures near the freezing point, accompanied by thick fog, in many places. The cold claimed the lives of 55 people in the worst-affected districts of Morang, Saptari, Siraha, Mahottari and Rautahat.

The cold prevented many poor families from leaving their homes to work, resulting in a loss of income. Vegetable, potato and rice crops were also affected by the cold weather.

With support from ACT members around the world, ACT sent US$40,410 in Rapid Response funds to LWF to purchase and distribute 6,000 wool blankets in the five districts. Working closely with its traditional partner in relief operations, the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), LWF distributed the blankets at 76 points across the five districts. In the wide-ranging distribution, LWF staff received assistance from NRCS volunteers that included the collection of names of affected families, transportation and storage of blankets, and record keeping and reporting.

In the distribution, LWF focused on women, children, the poor and marginalized. The blankets helped those who lacked warm clothes and whose houses were not protected against the cold.

Before the cold spell, LWF had carried out projects in some of the affected districts, as well as some adjoining districts.

LWF reported that the daytime temperatures in some districts had begun to rise by February, although nighttime temperatures were still low. According to LWF, the number of deaths from the cold had risen to 70 by mid-February.

ACT Home Latest news Other Datelines Photos from Emergencies