With locals deliberately forging facts and non-affected people coming forward in droves to claim relief materials, Panchathar District Administration Office (DAO) is having a hard time reaching those who need the relief packages the most.
According to Pradeep Raj Kadel, chief district officer (CDO) of Panchthar, his office has been facing unexpected surge in fake claims for relief materials."The data and details people provide to us demanding relief materials rarely match the ground realities. We learn about the mismatch when we reach the sites to distribute relief packages," said Kadel, who is also the coordinator of Panchthar District Disaster Management Relief Committee.
"With so many people faking about their losses, reaching out to real sufferers is proving difficult. The food items and shelter kits should first reach to those who have been worst-affected by the earthquake," he added.
Although the DAO has started collecting data on quake-affected families, they are compelled to amend the details now and then when claims don't match with the facts.
"The distribution of relief packages would have moved smoothly if the data regarding the affected-families had turned out true to the reality," said Kadel.
The distribution of relief materials has been conducted through 26 different teams. Most of the teams are led by village development committee (VDC) secretaries. So far, the relief packages have been delivered to 29 families. Among all the households, 27 have been completely destroyed and the remaining homes are uninhabitable.
Families whose houses have been completely destroyed have received Rs 5000 and a tent whereas those that have suffered partial damages have been provided a tent and Rs 3000.
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