UN says $415 million needed for Nepal quake relief

KATHMANDU: The UN today appealed to the international community for $ 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 $ 128 million for food security, $ 50 million for shelter and $ 63 million for water sanitation, to provide relief in the quake-hit country.