Border Blockade Triggers Humanitarian Crisis in Earthquake-Ravaged Nepal

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151207/293566 )

The embargo - partly a result of violent protests by ethnic groups in Nepal unhappy with the new constitution adopted in September - has halted everyday life in the country and threatens to trigger a humanitarian crisis if it is not immediately lifted.

The blockade is also creating an economic disaster for one of the world's poorest countries. Economists estimate it has already cost the country $10 billion -- $3 billion more than the damage caused by the earthquakes. Land-locked Nepal relies on India for the majority of its imports.

The lack of fuel and building materials has brought construction to a standstill, forcing earthquake survivors to spend freezing winter nights under makeshift shelters. Hospitals are rapidly running out of life-saving medicines and are only caring for people with life-threatening injuries. Businesses are struggling to stay open, with only 30 percent of Nepal's industries operational. Unemployment has skyrocketed in a country where 46 percent of the people are already unemployed.

Som Paneru, president of Nepal Youth Foundation said their work in the earthquake ravaged country has been severely hampered by the embargo, but they refuse to give up. He fears that crucial supply shortages will cost more lives. 'We need to prevent humanitarian and economic disaster in Nepal . The earthquakes didn't destroy us but this could. We need more pressure to be exerted from International communities on India . This inhumane blockade needs to end immediately.'

For interviews with Som Paneru in Nepal or Simon Russell , chairman of Nepal Youth Foundation UK please contact Lottie Wilkins on +44(0)7912-672863, lottie.wilkins@nepalyouthfoundation.org.uk

For more information on Nepal Youth Foundation or to make a donation please visit http://www.nepalyouthfoundation.org.uk