Photo essay: LWF Nepal earthquake response
The Lutheran World Federation response to the destructive earthquake in Nepal was swift and effective. Within hours of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake on April 25, the LWF had mobilised staff, alerted the ACT Alliance network of agencies and begun large-scale relief distributing goods to survivors in the worst hit areas of Kathmandu. Within days it had expanded the scope of the operation and by day six was entering rural areas that other relief teams had yet to access. Working within the confines of badly damage infrastructure and poor access to remote areas, the LWF has been able to distribute tarpaulins, hygiene kits and ready-made food. Testament to its response and decades of service to the country, the Nepalese government has invited LWF to join its relief coordination taskforce.
Staff of LWF Nepal and the Asia Hub office were well-prepared for a disaster of the magnitude of the April 25 Nepal earthquake. File photo from June 2013. Credit: LWF/Laxman Niroula
LWF staff provide ready-to-eat food to a family whose house was destroyed by the earthquake, the worst to hit Nepal in 81 years. Credit: LWF/Laxman Niroula
LWF staff provide ready-to-eat food to families taking shelter in makeshift tents. Credit: LWF/Laxman Niroula
Children are among the thousands of people sheltering outdoors for fear of aftershocks. Credit: LWF/C. Kästner
Women have set up a makeshift kitchen under tarpaulins. People are afraid to return home for fear of aftershocks. Credit: LWF/C. Kästner
LWF emergency team members distribute blankets for the night to earthquake survivors. Credit: LWF Nepal
Survivors living in makeshift shelters in Bhaktapur, the worst-affected district of Kathmandu valley, plea for basic relief. Credit: LWF/C. Kästner
The LWF Nepal team loading food for distribution. Credit: LWF/C. Kästner
LWF staff member Yadu lal Shresta (centre), of the LWF Asia emergency hub team, talks to survivors about their living conditions in a camp in Bhaktapur, the worst-affected district of Kathmandu valley. This family's house was severely damaged. Although it is still standing, it is structurally unsound, forcing the family to camp under a tarpaulin. Shresta is normally based in Myanmar.
LWF staff member Yadu lal Shresta, of the LWF Asia emergency hub team, talks to survivors about their living conditions in a camp in Bhaktapur, the worst-affected district of Kathmandu valley. This family's house was severely damaged. Although it is still standing, it is structurally unsound, forcing the family to camp under a tarpaulin. Shresta is normally based in Myanmar.
