World Humanitarian Day Observed

Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACORAB) Nepal has organized a discussion program on "Role of International Humanitarian Actors in Nepal Gorkha Earthquake-2015" on August 18, 2015. The event is organized at the dawn of the World Humanitarian Day 2015 and recording of the program will be aired through community radios across the country. Senior officials of Save the Children, World Vision International, Nepal Red Cross Society, and Himalaya Conservation Group have participated in the program. Researcher and parliamentarian were also present in the program.

At the program, participating organizations have shared their learning from relief efforts in earthquake affected areas. Dev Raj Dhakhusi, Secretary General of Nepal Red Cross Society said disaster preparedness was largely focused in Kathmandu whereas the severe impacts of recent earthquake occurred in different places. He said proper management and delivery of relief materials were major challenges observed during relief distribution.

Sanjeeb Shakya, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children said limited holding capacity of emergency relief materials was realized at the hour of disaster.

Gangalal Tuladhar, Former Education Minister and Member of Parliament said relief efforts were affected due to vacant of public representatives at the local bodies. Tuladhar is a Coordinator of Campaign Disaster Risk Reduction of Parliament of Nepal. He said the government has to make stock of foods and other necessary supplies by concerning frequent occurrence of natural disasters throughout the year.

Likewise, Catherine Green, Operations Manager of World Vision International suggested proper sharing and coordination between humanitarian agencies could help to reach out large number affected people. She also advised to conduct mapping of peoples' need prior to relief distribution and said this will ensure support of relief materials as per the requirement of affected people.