Earthquake Rebuild Update

Nepal Earthquake Progress Report- February 1, 2016

Difficult times in Nepal continue, hampering efforts to get much needed materials to many parts of Nepal that were devastated by last year’s earthquake.

As reported by Asia Pacific:

Nepal constitution talks fail to end protests. Talks between the Nepali government and minority groups to resolve a dispute over a new constitution have fallen apart, dashing hopes that protests that have led to crippling fuel shortages will end soon.

A resulting slow down in cross border truck traffic has plunged the landlocked nation into a fuel crisis that has hampered aid to survivors of last year’s deadly earthquake and has spawned a lucrative black market. It may take a few months before the boundary issues would be settled by the government.

Update from The Foundation:

In the meantime, while still dealing with the inability to get needed materials as well as coming to grips with the increased pricing that have resulted, we are still moving forward.

Our main efforts have been focused on helping the Sherpa’s complete the needed temporary maintenance to the exterior portion of those buildings that we are supporting through our rebuild program. This is necessary to prevent further damage from the severe winter windstorms common to this time of year. We are pleased to tell you that the temporary maintenance has been completed.

Maintenance of gable in long stay ward – Kunde Hospital

Maintenance of side wall in main hospital block

Update – December 2015

The devastating earthquakes in Nepal this year and the allocation of funds to the Rebuild Programs have been our main focus to date. We have received many donations from across Canada and internationally from corporate donors, service clubs, other foundations and hundreds of individuals. All of which we are most grateful. These donations have been allocated to approved projects. Some planned projects are still awaiting engineer reports and estimates before providing final approval.

Approved projects include the Kunde Hospital Rebuild, the Khumjung School Complex which consists of the main Primary School and the Khumjung High School and the surrounding village schools. The Phaplu Primary School, a Monastery and some village projects have also been approved. Work has already begun at the Phaplu Primary School! As we receive further updates on these projects mentioned, we will be sharing photos of their progress on our website so you can see just how your donations are helping those so desperately in need.

We can assure you that the correct due diligence is in place on all rebuild projects to ensure that the work being done, not only to serve the local village’s requests, but most importantly will meet all requirements for safety and future earthquake preparedness. This will be accomplished by following the most recent engineering standards for building.

The current trade blockade at the Indian border is causing serious problems for Nepal. The blockade has led to a shortage of fuel, and a shortage of construction materials. It is yet another challenge facing the people of Nepal and efforts to re-build. We can only hope it does not seriously delay our rebuild projects.

Update – August 2015

First and most of all, we want to thank everyone for your generous donations to the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation’s Nepal Earthquake Rebuild Fund. We have been continuously working with our people on the ground in Nepal to assess the damage and determine the work that is required. We have also engaged the resources of structural engineers and builders to determine the safety aspects of those buildings that have been severely affected and to analyze the amount of work and the cost required to rebuild or renovate. While some projects have been approved to move forward, the demand on workers in the High Himalayas as in most areas of Nepal is stretched to the maximum; this coupled with the Monsoon Season is causing the process to move at a slower pace than originally anticipated. Many families, including our own Dr. Kami’s family, are back into parts of their living quarters while the clean-up continues. Some others are also still sleeping in tents.