KATHMANDU: One year after the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 last year, thousands of people across the country are still facing problems of water, sanitation and hygiene.

As Nepal marks anniversary of the April 25 earthquake, WaterAid Nepal has called for continued support to overcome water, sanitation and hygiene challenges that persist for earthquake survivors.

The fast-acting and far-reaching sanitation and hygiene awareness efforts made by the government, community health workers, volunteers and organisations like WaterAid in the weeks immediately following the earthquake resulted in the prevention diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene, read a statement issued by the organisation on Monday.

Tripti Rai, WaterAid Nepal's Country Representation said, “The fact Nepal avoided a cholera outbreak, and prevented widespread disease following the disaster, is a tremendous success, and one that WaterAid is glad to have helped achieve.”

“Unfortunately; however, thousands of people across the country are still living in desperately difficult situations and in continued need of support. One year on, more aid and proficient delivery is urgently needed to ensure the rebuilding process happens as quickly as it possibly can,” adding that WaterAid, is especially concerned about the long-term welfare of the poorest communities," she further said.

Compounding the complicated situation of damage to basic infrastructure, many natural springs – which a large number of people in rural Nepal depend upon for their water supplies – produce less water, or have dried up all together. Some communities that once had 24/7 access to water now have just one to two hours per day, and many people are having to bath in rivers or queue for hours at taps.

To combat this, WaterAid Nepal, together with its local partners and the communities it works with, is working to find new spring sources and construct new intake structures for water supply schemes, the statement read.

“This will be a long journey and WaterAid is committed to helping the people of Nepal build back better. Access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene helps build resilient communities," Rai said.