In the aftermath of the devastating 2023 earthquake in Jajarkot, the United States Government, through USAID, has committed $1.37 million to aid recovery efforts.
The earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, struck Jajarkot and Rukum West on November 3, 2023, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. At least 154 lives were lost, with hundreds more injured, and homes and buildings suffered extensive damage, leading to widespread displacement and disruption of essential services.
The assistance, channeled through Save the Children according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu, aims to bolster the resilience of affected communities. This support will help them endure harsh winter conditions, recover from the quake’s destruction, and rebuild stronger than before.
Additionally, USAID swiftly mobilized existing programs to provide immediate relief supplies, water quality kits, and aid for physical rehabilitation after the earthquake struck. This assistance supplements over $23.3 million previously invested by USAID in disaster risk reduction and resilience initiatives in Karnali since 2019.
USAID’s commitment extends beyond immediate relief, as it pledges support for longer-term recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts in the region in the months ahead, ensuring sustained assistance for those affected by the earthquake.
