JERSEY has pledged £200,000 in emergency aid to support communities affected by devastating flooding in Nepal.
Jersey Overseas Aid has approved the funding for the British Red Cross less than a week after floods swept through parts of northern and central Nepal, killing hundreds of people and leaving many more missing.
The money will be delivered in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross Society, which was among the first organisations to respond to the disaster.
It will be used to provide safe water, emergency shelter, cash assistance and psychosocial support, as well as helping communities recover their livelihoods.
Access to some of the worst-hit areas remains difficult because of damaged roads and infrastructure, according to JOA.
International Development Minister Carolyn Labey, who chairs the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, said: “The scale of devastation caused by these floods is deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.
“By working through the Red Cross, an established and trusted local organisation with extensive community reach, we can help ensure assistance reaches those most affected quickly and effectively while supporting longer-term recovery and resilience.”
The £200,000 grant builds on JOA’s existing support for the Nepal Red Cross Society.
Jersey also has longstanding links with Nepal through community work projects and support for organisations including the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
Deputy Labey said Islanders had travelled to the country through JOA projects over many years and developed “strong personal connections with Nepalese communities”.
JOA said it would continue to monitor the situation and information received from its partners.
