KATHMANDU: The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) is observing its 64th establishment day today with the slogan “Solidarity for Humanity.”
As an integral part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Nepal Red Cross was established on September 4, 1963 (Bhadra 19, 2020 BS).
In a message marking the occasion, NRCS Secretary General Rishi Raman Khanal noted that more than one million Red Cross volunteers are engaged in humanitarian activities. The society currently has seven provincial committees, 77 district branches, 1,623 sub-branches, 115 support committees, and 6,587 junior and youth circles. According to the message, the services and development programmes of the Red Cross benefit around 3.5 million people annually.
The Nepal Red Cross has been mobilizing volunteers since the devastating flood hit the Trishuli River in Rasuwa on August 26 to support affected families. The humanitarian organization has been providing search and rescue services, distributing relief materials, offering psychosocial counselling, and supporting temporary shelter.
As part of the response, it has so far distributed 1,418 tarpaulins, 1,520 blankets, 1,930 body management bags, 715 mattresses, and 80 temporary toilets. It has also distributed 55 first-aid kits, 760 dignity kits, 9,000 N95 masks, and 392 sanitation and hygiene kits. Nearly 5,000 volunteers have been mobilized by the Nepal Red Cross Society for the flood response.
Along with providing relief in the flood-affected areas, the Nepal Red Cross is preparing rehabilitation programmes aimed at building more resilient communities in the future. The Nepal Red Cross has received support for its flood response from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and partner national societies.
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