Pokhara, January 17

Nepal Red Cross Society has said that it has extended support of Rs 1.5 billion to Gorkha earthquake survivors to directly benefit them.

At a review and planning programme organised by the Society in Pokhara, NRCS said that the support (in cash and kind) worth Rs 1.5 billion had so far been directly handed over to the earthquake victims following the April 25 quake.

On the occasion, Society Chairperson Sanjeev Thapa informed that each earthquake affected families were provided with support ranging from Rs 15,000 totalling to Rs 627.63 million, Likewise, total cash amounting to Rs 531.67 million, including Rs 10,000 per earthquake-affected family was distributed for the purchase of warm clothes. He also informed that earthquake victims were provided with blankets and utensils worth Rs 265.6 million.

At the programme, western regional administrator Shankar Koirala lauded the support provided by the Red Cross in the time of humanitarian crisis and said that the government was duly evaluating the philanthropic work. The event was attended by over 150 participants including government officials, donors’ representatives and district Red Cross activists.