CERF allocates $460,000 for temporary shelters in Bhutan

A girl in Bhutan [Photo: UNICEF]

7 October 2009: The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $460,000 for temporary shelters in Bhutan after an earthquake struck the country on 21 September 2009. 

The earthquake registered at 6.3 on the Richter scale and caused serious damage throughout the eastern part of the country. The Government of Bhutan reported 12 deaths and 35 injured on 1 October 2009. The earthquake severely affected living conditions leaving homes, schools and government buildings damaged beyond repair. The Government estimates that up to 8,400 people may have been left homeless. 

Some $460,000 has been allocated from CERF to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bhutan to provide shelter for those affected by the earthquake. The funds will provide 600 family-sized tents and 200 utility tents that can be used for public gathering spaces. The utility tents will allow 22 schools to be restarted and eight hospitals to resume critical services for the affected communities.

 [Last Update: 8 October 2009]