Some news from GEFONT's earthquake relief

GEFONT held a press conference today, regarding the relief efforts they have been providing in the aftermath of the 25 April earthquake. Under the banner of joint platform of Nepali trade union JTUCC (Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre) a memorial service was organised in the evening of May 1st.  Thousands of candles were lit to pay tribute to deceased people, speedy recovery of injured persons, and condolences to the bereaved family and solidarity to the entire victims. It was one of the first and special programme dedicated to general public after the shock.


Next, GEFONT affiliates rushed to the field. CUPPEC and NEST helped various needy people to evacuate food items, property and other materials from the collapsed buildings. CUPPEC launched the "20-motorbike" programme, where some 40 volunteers in 20 bikes in a team were involved in the rescue work. CUPPEC even cooperated with Armed Police Force to evacuate materials from damaged Building of ruling coalition party- the CPN (UML).

Since May 1 to 12, some 180 tonnes of rice were distributed to 10.000 families, roughly serving 50,000 persons with food rations for two weeks. This work was mainly concentrated in the most effected districts (Dhading, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Kathmandu Valley, Kavre and Sindhupalchowk). The 10.000 packages were standardised for 5-member family with 30 kg rice-3 kg lentil- and 1 kg salt.

Besides WSM from Belgium, this work was also supported by various people and institutions: personally through a Swedish national, Stina Mortensen, ITUC-AP, and APHEDA from Australia.  In facilitation of NTUF (National Trade Union Federation), the Pakistan Edhi Foundation also joined with GEFONT.

Find the full text and report here.