Country: Nepal/Earthquake
Rapid Needs Assessment Report
District Dolakha
Simgoan Village, GauriSankar VDC
1. Situation Overview
On April 25th 2015, an earthquake of magnitude
7.5 Richter scale struck Nepal causing a level of
devastation that had not been experienced in the
country for at least 80 years. Millions of people
have been affected by the disaster, with 8,773
people confirmed dead and over 20,000 more
injured. The epicentre of the earthquake was
located 77km northwest of Kathmandu, in the
Ghorka district.
Photo 1: ACTED staff visits a decimated school in Simgoan Village.
A second earthquake, measuring 7.3 magnitude,
struck Nepal on May 12th 2015. The epicentre
was in Dholaka District, 18 KM southeast of
Kodari (Sindhupalchowk District)- an area
already affected by the 25 April quake. The
second earthquake was followed by several
aftershocks, including a 5.6 magnitude tremor
and a 6.3 magnitude tremor both centred in the in
Dholaka District. Strong aftershocks continue to
be felt. Many areas around the epicentre are
particularly susceptible to landslides.
On the 30th of May 2015, ACTED teams
conducted KII/FGD assessments with community
leaders in the Simgoan Village, GauriSankar VDC
in Dolakha District, the epicentre of the second
major earthquake. The population and household
numbers, according to the 2011 National Census,
are as follows:
Simgoan Village, GauriSankar VDC: 287 HH
975 Population (464 men, 511 women).
Photo 2: The villagers assemble near a destroyed temple in Simgoan.
Within this VDC, it is estimated that approximately
100% of the local housing structures have been
significantly damaged or completely destroyed,
and almost all households are now living with
other community members in neighbouring
villages or are temporarily posted outside of their
homes in makeshift shelters or tents.
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The majority of those interviewed during the assessment identified, schooling as a first priority (re-establishing the
local school), followed by shelter, and food.
3. Assessment Methodology
KIIs and FGDs were conducted to identify the core needs in the affected area within. Interviewees were all residents
of the areas.
4. Assessment Findings
Populations Affected_____________________________________________________________________
Situation
The assessment conducted in Simgoan covered an overall population of 287 households and 975 people (2011
National Census).
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Findings from the assessments show that 100% of those assessed are now living in makeshift shelters in
Simgoan
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100% of the respondents reported that their food stocks will only last for the next week (as of May 30 th)
80% of respondents have no access to clean drinking water, while 90% have no access to latrine facilities
Needs, Coverage and Gaps
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The assessed area is in urgent need of most forms of humanitarian assistance, as outlined below.
Shelter_________________________________________________________________________________
Situation
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According to the assessed VDC, residents reported that 100% of shelters had either been totally destroyed or
partially damaged to the point of inhabitation. This finding is supported by observation and transect walks;
The VDC respondents reported that 100% of households within the villages were residing in ad hoc shelters
devised from wood and tarp.
The rebuilding of structures has not yet begun, and all households expect to be living outside at least for the
next week.
Needs, Coverage and Gaps
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Within the target VDC, access to materials and, improved roof coverage represents key concerns.
Livelihoods, Food Security and Nutrition______________________________________________________
Situation
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Residents in the target VDC report that they have access to food for 1 week, and respondents reported food
security as a priority concern.
Needs, Coverage and Gaps
-
Immediate Food assistance;
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Water, Sanitation and Hygiene_______________________________________________________
Situation
-
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In Simgoan, water supply system has been affected, with the main water taps that distributed clean drinking
water to the VDC villages having been broken- leaving 80% of VDC residents with no access to clean drinking
water.
Limited toilet facilities are available in Simgoan, with 90% of the community practising open defecation.
Open defecation is a problem for women and children in particular, and poses a protection concern.
The health risks associated with open defecation during the upcoming monsoon season has to be considered.
Needs, Coverage and Gaps
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Sanitary facilities (Pit Latrines, VIP Latrines);
Hygiene kits;
Hygiene promotion;
Water sources and pipelines need to be checked for contamination.
Health_________________________________________________________________________________
Situation
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Access to health centres, health services and medical supplies have also been interrupted with the VDC, with
the singular medical point showing significant damage as a result of the earthquake.
There are some medical supplies available, though these are not sufficient;
Health risks are however likely to increase due to the upcoming monsoon season and the drop of
temperatures during night;
Needs, Coverage and Gaps
-
Mobile Health Teams;
Protection______________________________________________________________________________
Situation
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Lack of latrines and the absence of electricity in some villages exposes women and girls to risks related to
gender based violence.
Needs, Coverage and Gaps
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Latrines to be provided in all assessed areas.
Education_______________________________________________________________________________
Situation
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Schooling was reported as the top priority need within the VDC- each of the 5 educational facilities within the
target area were completely demolished in the second earthquake.
This was a concern raised in particular by female members of the FGD.
Relief Efforts/Assistance___________________________________________________________________
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Residents report that they are currently supporting themselves through support from relatives and friends, and
government assistance
4. Humanitarian Access
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Nine villages within the VDC are reported as inaccessible by roads.
No security concerns.
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