"The 10 million pound has now been allocated to partners to continue providing critical humanitarian support to vulnerable populations across earthquake districts," said a statement issued by DFID on Tuesday. "This funding will support over 200,000 people receive winterised items, such as urgently needed blankets, mattresses and winter clothes, as well as ensuring critical logistical operations continue to reach highly remote and road-inaccessible locations as winter approaches."It has shown serious concern over the delay in establishment of the much-awaited reconstruction authority. "DFID Nepal stands ready to support the reconstruction phase of the earthquake and is deeply concerned over the delays of the establishment of the National Authority for Reconstruction - the key institution to accelerate reconstruction and help Nepal build back better," it said.
The UK is also supporting early recovery activities that will ensure effective transition from relief to reconstruction, including the removal of debris from at least 1,300 building sites and the demolition/clearance of 100 public buildings, enabling communities to begin rebuilding.
DFID had eartlier allocated a package totalling 70 million pounds. "The first phase of support was immediate, responding to critical life-saving needs across the 14 most-affected districts. Between April and September, 33 million pounds was committed to immediate life-saving humanitarian assistance and the delivery of urgent humanitarian supplies," the DFID statement said. "This has included support to remote access logistics ranging from trail repair and use of porters, mules, yaks and tractors to helicopters. 10 million pounds was also committed to delivering critical health support, such as immunisation for children, women enabling safe childbirth delivery and rebuilding of damaged health facilities."
It has said the approaching winter is of a particular concern and that as per the UN estimate over 81,000 families require support to keep warm as they live above 1,500 meters and do not have permanent housing. "Blankets, clothes and basic insulation for temporary shelters are urgently needed," read the statement.
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