Free medical assistance for Nepal earthquake victims

Providing aid to the victims of Friday’s earthquake in Nepal is a priority. This was stated by Nepali Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka on Sunday, Nepali media reported.

The earthquake, which struck the sparsely populated area around Jajarkot, in the west of the country, killed at least 157 people and injured 400 others. The authorities announced on Sunday that they had ended their search for survivors.

Khadka attended a large-scale cremation ceremony in Jajarkot on Sunday. “We have begun distributing all the relief materials scheduled to be delivered to those affected by the earthquake. We intend to distribute the relief materials at the same time as the relief operations,” the minister said, according to the Himalayan Times. He added that reconstruction work will begin immediately after the distribution of relief materials is completed.

The Nepalese government also decided to donate 200,000 Nepalese rupees (about 1,400 euros) to each family that lost a loved one, according to The Himalayan Times and Rising Nepal. Victims of the disaster will also receive free medical care in public hospitals. The government also wants to provide temporary shelter for displaced families. Many people have been sleeping outside since Friday.

Kathmandu says it is also accepting help from neighboring countries and international agencies. India, China and the United States have offered logistical assistance.