Beneficiary Count in Jajarkot Earthquake Relief Reaches 79,599

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Jajarkot on November 3, the number of beneficiaries affected by the disaster has surged to 79,599, marking an increase of over 12,000 individuals in the recent period. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported the updated figures after local levels identified and submitted data on beneficiaries who had yet to be recognized.

Chandra Prakash Adhikari, Chief of Private Houses and Reconstruction Section at the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), revealed that the initial count of beneficiaries stood at 67,000. The recent identification efforts have brought the total to 79,599 as of January 18, slightly below the NRA’s earlier estimate of 80,150 beneficiaries. The government has disbursed Rs 2.26 billion to date out of the estimated Rs 4.75 billion allocated for the construction of temporary houses.

NRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Anil Pokharel, provided an update on the progress, stating that Rs 1.26 billion has been distributed to 50,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, 24,010 temporary houses have been successfully constructed, with another 10,000 currently under construction. Families yet to receive assistance are in the process of signing grant agreements.

The earthquake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, struck on November 3, causing extensive loss of lives and properties in Jajarkot and West Rukum. The government continues its efforts to expedite relief and reconstruction initiatives to support the affected communities.