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UK steps up humanitarian response in Nepal

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KATHMANDU, May 7: The UK government has increased its humanitarian aid to Nepal substantially in order to help the victims of massive earthquake that hit the country on April 25.

According to a press statement issued by UK embassy in Kathmandu, the UK government's humanitarian response package now stands at £22.8 million (3.5 billion rupees) to help the people of Nepal following the earthquake, making the UK the largest donor to the country.


In addition, the British people have raised £36 million (5.1 billion rupees), reflecting the special 200 year relationship between the UK and Nepal.

"The UK is standing by Nepal and its people in their hour of need by ensuring lifesaving supplies continue moving around the country and by providing charities on the ground with fast-tracked funding. But even more has to be done to make sure these vital supplies keep reaching those who need them," the statement quoted UK Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening as saying.

The UK Embassy said they agree with the principle of working through government systems, transparency and accountability in relief and development. "The UK is providing over £300m of support to Nepal from 2011-2015 million through its development programme, majority of which is delivered through partnership with the Government of Nepal," the statement said.

The UK humanitarian response include £5.3 million (0.8 billion rupees) for UN agencies in Nepal to coordinate the international relief effort and provide clean water and shelter for affected families, £3 million (0.4 billion rupees) released under the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) to six charities and NGOs already working on the ground: Save the Children, Mercy Corps Scotland, Care International UK, ActionAid, Oxfam and Handicap International and £2 million (0.3 billion rupees) for the British Red Cross.

A £5 million (0.7 billion rupees) to match public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee's appeal which will support NGOs on the ground, a £5 million (0.7 billion rupees) package to provide a further team of 30 trauma medics, logistical support and equipment to ease congestion at Kathmandu Airport and humanitarian experts in water, health and sanitation.

DFID has also deployed a team of more than 60 UK International Search and Rescue responders and specialist rescue dogs and provided £2.5 million (0.38 billion rupees) for the UN Humanitarian Air Service to enable organizations already on the ground to deliver aid to isolated areas are among the UK humanitarian response.

According to the statement, DFID is deploying three Royal Air Force (RAF) Chinook helicopters. Among other things, British firefighters and medics reopened the hospital of Nepal Medical College (NMC) and TU Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. The 700-bed Teaching Hospital was damaged in the earthquake and could only look after 80 patients.



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