Here is an update from INF Nepal about the Bajura earthquake, which affected people living in INF project areas on 24th January 2023:

On Tuesday 24th January, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale struck the Bajura region. We have 40 staff members, including community mobilisers, currently stationed in Bajura. We are deeply saddened to report that one person has lost their life, and five others have been injured. Additionally, 84 houses have been fully damaged, and 168 have been partially damaged. The Gaumul rural municipality has been affected the most, with 13 houses completely damaged in ward number 2, where INF’s CCA project is being implemented. These households were all members of the INF-facilitated Dharmodaya Krishak Samuha (Farmers’ Group).

At this time, we are relieved to report that most of our staff members in Bajura are safe. However, we are deeply concerned for the well-being of our team members in Himali RM. Four of our community mobilisers, including Team Leader Kamal Singh Dhami, are based there, and we have been unable to reach them since the earthquake. Our thoughts are with them and their families during this difficult time. We have a response team ready to assist, but unfortunately, due to the heavy rain and snowfall in the region, we are currently unable to send them there to access the situation. We will continue to monitor the situation and do everything in our power to support our team members and those affected by the earthquake.

We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with the local District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC). We have also dispatched immediate relief items from our local stock through DDMC and coordinating with local government and other agencies involved in the response and rescue operations.

Please kindly uplift our staff members, beneficiaries and all others affected by the earthquake for their safety and well-being. Also pray for the government bodies and agencies involved in the response and rescue operations.

A further update was received from INF Nepal on Wednesday 1st February:

We are pleased to inform you that all of our staff are safe and unharmed following the recent earthquake in Bajura.

In response to the disaster, we have taken immediate action to support the 13 households that were completely damaged. A total of 570 houses have been affected, with some being completely damaged and others partially. The local Rural Municipality RM is coordinating with multiple organisations working in the district to respond to the needs of the affected communities. They have also requested INF Nepal’s support for temporary shelter construction in the affected area.

Based on the need assessment and in coordination with the local rural municipality, we have prepared plans for temporary shelter support for 50 households. We believe that your prayers and support can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this disaster. We kindly request you to keep the affected families and our team in your prayers as we work to provide support and relief to those in need.