Disaster and Emergency Relief

When disaster strikes, the weeks that follow can be as dangerous as the event itself. HI’s emergency teams are on the ground in Nepal and Venezuela right now, and in Peru our teams are helping communities get ready before the next crisis arrives. Here is a look at what your support makes possible.

Nepal, care for flood survivors

Severe flooding in late August devastated districts in the north of Nepal, including Rasuwa and Nuwakot. More than 1,300 people were killed, thousands more missing. Damaged roads and bridges cut off entire communities.

A team of 10 HI staff is working with local partners in Nuwakot. They offer individual assessments, physical and occupational therapy, and replacement or repair of mobility aids for injured people and people with disabilities in hospitals and 18 emergency holding centers. When roads to Rasuwa were blocked, HI coordinated a helicopter delivery of around 100 wheelchairs, crutches, and walking sticks to the district hospital.

Emotional wounds need care, too. HI’s mental health and psychosocial support officer Saniya Karki puts it this way. “Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is simply listen and let people know that they are not alone.” Our teams also run play sessions for children in temporary shelters, giving them a safe space to rebuild routine and connection.

Venezuela, support that lasts beyond the first weeks

The twin earthquakes on June 24 left thousands without shelter, clean water, food, or healthcare. HI’s physical therapists began early rehabilitation right away, which is critical for people with fractures and amputations. As of mid-August, our teams had provided more than 260 individual rehabilitation sessions, distributed nearly 100 kits to people in temporary shelters, and supplied 20 mobility aids.

Now the focus is on the long road ahead. HI is adding nine physical therapists and seven psychologists and expanding to all seven affected states. As Operations Manager Beatriz Armada says, “I think we’re talking about consequences that will last more than ten years.”

Peru, preparing communities before the next disaster

Peru is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with floods and landslides in the Andes and drought and fires in the Amazon. HI’s Guardianas del Cambio project makes sure women, young people, and people with disabilities have a voice in preparing for these events. So far, 1,600 people have been trained, more than 220 people with disabilities have received support, and about 60 civil servants have taken part. Two new local regulations now guarantee that organizations of people with disabilities take part in climate decision-making, a first for Peru. A second phase, launched in June, will train 120 teachers to reach around 1,800 young people.

Looking ahead

HI will keep assessing needs in Rasuwa as access is restored, continue rehabilitation and mental health care in Nepal and Venezuela, and plan every response so people with disabilities are included from day one.

Thank you for standing with people affected by disaster.

Links:

• HI in Nepal
• HI in Venezuela
• HI in Peru