A plane carrying 40 tonnes of emergency aid has travelled from Belgium to Nepal. The supplies, provided by the Red Cross in Flanders and French-speaking Belgium, the German Red Cross and the German ministry of Foreign Affairs, will support victims of the devastating floods that killed almost 1,500 people in August.
The disaster destroyed houses, roads and bridges in northern Nepal and Tibet. The shipment of tents, blankets, cooking equipment and jerry cans will help to provide shelter and basic daily necessities to the thousands of people left homeless.
“Those who lost their homes in Nepal need a place to sleep and supplies to prepare their own food,” said Jan Poté, spokesperson for Red Cross Flanders. “With this shipment, we can alleviate part of that need. This is practical assistance, with thanks to everyone who made a donation.”
The supplies help meet urgent needs, but the recovery of homes and daily facilities will take time
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies received the supplies on Tuesday and is coordinating distribution with the Nepalese Red Cross. “Even after this aid flight, financial support remains necessary,” says Poté. “The supplies help meet urgent needs, but the recovery of homes and daily facilities will take time.”