WHO responding to western Nepal earthquake 2023

A strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude (USGS) hit Nepal on 03 Nov 2023 at 23:47 local time. More than 382 aftershocks were reported forcing people to spend nights in the open or makeshift shelters in freezing overnight temperatures. As of 6 November 2023, 153 (Male: 70, Female: 83) people died and more than 338 (Male: 138, Female: 200) were injured as a result of the earthquake.

Efforts are on to get up to date information from partners about the impact of earthquake. The Ministry of Health and Population, WHO and other partners met at the Health Emergency Operations Centre on 04 Nov 2023. Partners were requested for logistics and human resources support for response. The Government’s initial rapid assessment launched on 5 November 2023 is underway.

WHO has supported the immediate response efforts providing seven Interagency Emergency Health Kit (medicines and medical items for 10,000 people for 3 months), five sets of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Kit (materials and drugs to meet the needs of 50 patients requiring surgical care in emergency situations) and six sets of medical camp kits. In addition, WHO Country Office is mobilizing human resources such as field Medical Officers and Surveillance Medical Officers, who will be based in western provinces and committed to provide additional human resources as per need.

Dedicated hospitals have been set up in Nepalgunj in Banke district to provide treatment for the affected individuals. Bheri Hospital, Military Hospital, and Police Hospital have prepared 105 beds in readiness, while Nepalgunj Medical College Hospital in Kohalpur has also been placed in a state of preparedness. Two ambulances have been stationed at Ranjha Airport for transporting patients arriving by helicopter, and two ambulances are also stationed at the military helipad.