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We’ve been listening to vulnerable communities

A year on from the earthquake, we asked 200 Nepalese people what they'd found the most and least helpful aid – and what it is they really need to survive a disaster in the future. We asked them about all aid provided, not just that given by Christian Aid.

  • 47%

    said shelter materials were the most useful. Others prioritised food, clothes or blankets. We heard that circumstances vary, and our aid response should too.

  • 19%

    said cash was the most useful

The State gave 15,000 rupees. With this we built cottages. I think it was the best relief material.

- Badri Nath Bhattarai.

There is a rumour that Dalits (considered 'outcastes' by society) have received a lot of relief. The reality is quite the opposite.

- Kabita B K.

We heard calls to remember vulnerable and minority groups when providing emergency relief.

  • 19%

    said information and technology would help them be better prepared in the future

Everything was useful, except the distribution of razors, which aren't needed by women like me.

- Amrita Thapa Magar.

We heard reminders that aid is best when it is appropriate. What benefits one culture or group may be of less use to another.

We continue to experience aftershocks. People are terrified. Some are suffering from earthquake phobia.

- Gita Nepali.

We heard about the need for psychological support alongside items of food and shelter.

  • 53%

    said safe housing would help them most in the future.

In some countries, like Japan, earthquakes take place frequently. But in Japan there are earthquake-proof houses.

- Chandra Man Kisan.

*Statistics are based on a sample of 179 people surveyed in the Gorkha and Dhading in February 2016. Participants were asked to comment on all aid received, not just that given by Christian Aid.

See the detailed statistics

We’re listening and calling for change

At the first World Humanitarian Summit, we want international commitments to:

  1. Ask, listen and respond to the people who are directly affected by disasters.
  2. Help support local governments and organisations so they are properly equipped to deal with the crisis.
  3. Invest in disaster prevention, ensuring communities are well prepared to respond to future disasters.

Full details of our commitments

Full details of our commitments

Related content

Nepal Aftershocks – the numbers

Nepal Aftershocks – the numbers

Nepal earthquake aid (Guardian)

How we revealed what local people thought of Nepal earthquake aid (Guardian)