KATHMANDU, May 16: The Joint Recovery Action Plan (JRAP) for Western Nepal's earthquake-affected regions has received a significant financial boost from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The British Embassy in Kathmandu has announced a contribution of £13 million to aid the recovery efforts in the municipalities impacted by the February 2024 earthquake.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the Humanitarian Country Team launched the JRAP to address the critical needs of disaster-affected communities and enhance their resilience. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nepal, Hanaa Singer Hamdy, expressed gratitude for the UK's support, emphasizing the plan's role in fostering a coherent and integrated approach to recovery.

According to the FCDO, the funding will be managed through a joint program involving IOM, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WFP under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO). It aims to address essential needs in water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition, protection, shelter, and food security for approximately 50,000 people in Jajarkot, Rukum West, and Salyan districts.

Dr Rabin Kadariya of ACAP highlighted the role of accountability to the affected population, ensuring efficient use of resources to benefit the earthquake-stricken communities. The program also incorporates principles of protection against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) from the outset to maintain high humanitarian standards.

Likewise, Pippa Bird, Development Director at the British Embassy in Kathmandu, remarked on the critical nature of the support, which builds on an initial £0.5 million for immediate relief. The new funding aims to support vulnerable communities through life-saving services, rebuilding livelihoods, and fostering long-term resilience.

Additionally, the UK will aid three affected local governments in rehabilitating and reconstructing drinking water supply facilities, irrigation systems, micro-hydro structures, schools, and rural roads, amounting to £4.2 million. These infrastructure projects are expected to provide local employment and enhance long-term disaster and climate resilience.

The 6.4 magnitude earthquake on November 3, 2023, the deadliest in Nepal since 2015, resulted in 154 deaths, 366 injuries, and widespread displacement. The NDRRMA's Chief Executive, Anil Pokhrel, acknowledged FCDO's ongoing support, noting its importance for the reconstruction and recovery of Karnali Province.

The JRAP aims to complement Nepal’s ongoing recovery efforts, targeting a funding need of USD 96 million to assist 250,000 individuals, promoting resilient construction and local employment while reducing the carbon footprint.