US $415 million needed for Nepal quake relief: United Nations

The UN on Wednesday appealed to the international community for USD 415 million to provide quick relief to those affected by the Nepal earthquake in an effort to address a critical need for shelter, water, emergency health services and food security, over the next three months.

According to a UN estimate, over 5,000 people have been killed and over 10,000 others injured in the quake and the subsequent aftershocks. "Some 70,000 houses have been destroyed and another 530,000 homes have been damaged across 39 of Nepal's 75 districts.

Millions of people are in need of food assistance and safe drinking water," said Jamie McGoldrick, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Nepal, adding that "the timing of intervention remains of the essence". The UN has said it needs USD 128 million for food security, USD 50 million for shelter and USD 63 million for water sanitation, to provide relief in the quake-hit country.

Also Read: United Nations releases US $15 million emergency aid for Nepal