Kathmandu: The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has pledged $1.37 million to aid recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Jajarkot in 2023.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.6, hit Jajarkot and Rukum West on November 3, 2023, causing the loss of at least 154 lives, injuring hundreds, and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The aftermath left communities in urgent need of shelter, food, clean water, and medical care.
Implemented through Save the Children, USAID’s support aims to assist earthquake-affected communities in enduring the winter, recovering from the destruction, and ultimately rebuilding more resilient structures. The US Embassy in Kathmandu emphasized the focus on building back better in the statement.
In addition to the financial support, USAID swiftly redirected existing programs to provide essential relief supplies, water quality kits, and aid for physical rehabilitation in the aftermath of the earthquake. This assistance complements the over $23.3 million USAID has invested in disaster risk reduction and resilience in Karnali since 2019, demonstrating a commitment to long-term recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts in the region.