Govt to distribute relief to quake-hit areas through one-door policy; 4,000 houses destroyed in Aathbiskot

Kathmandu / Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has stated that the distribution of emergency relief assistance in the recently earthquake-affected areas in Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim districts is taking place through a one-door policy in coordination with the local levels.

Speaking at a press meet at the Ministry on Friday, Sharma, who is also the government spokesperson, mentioned that the lead role of the local government has been sought in the relief distribution, in line with the spirit of federalism.”The relief and rescue efforts are ongoing as per the directives of the Prime Minister issued upon reaching the affected areas the following day of the November 3 earthquake,” she added.

Grievances regarding the government’s response to the disaster have been taken seriously, and the distribution of relief materials is happening based on need, according to the government spokesperson.

As she stated, it is unimaginable for the government even to consider favoritism in the distribution of relief assistance to the earthquake survivors. She also emphasized that physical properties reflecting Nepali unique architecture and cultural heritage would be accorded priority during the reconstruction of the damaged structures.

The November 3 earthquake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale with its epicenter at Ramidanda of Jajarkot, has so far resulted in over 150 casualties and more than 300 injuries, including casualties in neighboring Rukum Paschim.”

Jajarkot quake: Over 4,000 houses completely destroyed in Aathbiskot alone

The earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale last Friday which had its epicenter at Ramidanda in Jajarkot caused huge damage to human and material structures in Rukum West as well. Due to the same earthquake, thousands of homes have been destroyed and thousands of local residents have been forced to spend cold nights in tarpaulins.

Hari Bahadur Oli, a 41-year-old resident of Aathbiskot Municipality-13, Bhallma, shared the challenges his family has been facing since their house was completely damaged by the earthquake. He said that the tarpaulin has become a help since last Saturday, providing some shelter. He complained about the significant difficulties his family encountered while trying to endure the chilly night in makeshift accommodations.

According to Maniraj Shah, Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipality, 4,273 houses in Athabiskot Municipality were completely damaged by the earthquake. According to him, houses in the 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 wards of the municipality were mostly damaged by the earthquake.

Shah further said that out of a total of 8,637 houses in the municipality, 4,273 houses were completely damaged while 2,018 houses were partially damaged.

Wards that were not affected by the earthquake also suffered moderate damage. There are 1,700 houses with general damage. Similarly, there has been great damage to the food produced at the local level.

According to the municipality, 14 buffaloes, eight oxen, 61 sheep and 578 chickens were killed in addition to the loss of rice, wheat and corn kept in the houses.

In addition to the death of 52 people in Rukum West, the earthquake that occurred last Friday also caused great damage to physical structures. Now the work of distributing relief to the victims in those areas is going on.RSS