Issuing a press statement on Friday, McGoldrick said the funding requirement for humanitarian needs remain unmet with barely US$ 59.5 million, or 14 percent, of the total $423 million humanitarian appeal, launched by the United Nations and partners on April 29, received so far."If we don't act quickly, the implications will be severe. We can only expect misery, a crippling loss of dignity and the real potential for more deaths especially in the rural and remote areas," the statement quoted McGoldrick as saying.
Hundreds of thousands of people remain homeless nearly three weeks after the first quake hit. The most urgent priority is to provide people with roofs over their heads before the monsoon season starts, said the UN.
Local communities were and continuing to be the first responders. Village development committees, private sector, volunteers truly understood their responsibility. The international community were also prompt to show support to the government-led relief efforts. International search and rescue and medical teams arrived in Nepal within hours of the first earthquake, supported by military and civil defense assets.
However, the UN said the level of funding received against the humanitarian appeal till date indicate that initial outpouring of solidarity is diminishing at a time when beefing up humanitarian interventions is essential. Pipelines must be in place before the monsoon rain isolate people in remote, vulnerable communities.
"Our ability to respond to urgent needs of the Nepalese people depend at this stage solely on the amount of financial support that will be provided. We face other challenges, in particular the topography but we are tackling theme in innovative ways," added Mr McGoldrick.
Standard aid delivery is being complemented with competencies and traditional community methods. Responders are also partnering with trekking and mountaineering associations. Dedicated radio programming and mobile networks are being used to ensure that people know how and where to obtain relief and can provide direct feedback. Cash programing is used, where appropriate to overcome access challenges, while stimulating the local economy and allowing people and communities to prioritize their own needs.
Related story
Three arrested for collecting donations illegally
