The 2015 earthquakes in Nepal left widespread physical devastation in communities across the center north of the country: over 8,900 deaths, collapsed buildings, damaged infrastructure, and countless injuries. The less visible mental and emotional effects of the earthquakes, however, are not well understood and have been largely neglected in recovery efforts. A better comprehension of post-earthquake mental health and psychosocial problems and needs is essential for planning and implementing effective and holistic recovery programs and activities.
By 2016, the Red Cross Movement’s work in Nepal had transitioned from relief activities to longer-term recovery interventions across all 14 districts most severely affected by the earthquake.
The American Red Cross, along with consortium partners the Spanish Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross, was working to support the Nepal Red Cross Society in implementing Utthan, a three-year integrated earthquake recovery program in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Makwanpur districts. Although increases in mental health and psychosocial (MHPS) problems immediately following major disasters are expected, almost 18 months after the earthquake Utthan program staff had indications that MHPS problems might still be interfering with the ability of some highly vulnerable community members to access, fully participate in, and benefit from recovery services.
It was crucial to gain more specific insight into the overall scale and nature of mental heath and psychosocial support needs as well as identify specific sub-groups of the population that were at higher risk of experiencing these problems.