PSI stands with the people of Nepal affected by severe floods

Message of Solidarity and Condolence

Incessant monsoonal rain has caused havoc in various parts of Nepal, causing the death of 90 people, 29 missing and 11,839 displaced.

To: All PSI affiliates in Nepal

22nd July 2019

Dear Brothers and Sisters of PSI affiliates in Nepal,

We are saddened to hear that incessant monsoonal rain has caused havoc in various parts of Nepal, causing the death of 90 people, 29 missing and 11,839 displaced. It is clear that flooding and landslides is also heavily impacting major public services.

We recognise that workers who are members of PSI affiliates are shouldering the responsibility to respond, provide emergency services and support survivors. We have heard that workers delivering health services, emergency response, electricity and in local government have been putting in extra efforts to deliver public services in affected areas. Community Health Workers must also be delivering vital public services at this time.

Key figures

90

deaths

29

missing

11,839

displaced

We recognize also that climate chaos is placing huge strains on public services with increasingly frequent disasters. We must deepen our resolve to confront the global drivers of climate change and expose the inequities of climate chaos – that those who have contributed the least to climate change suffer the most. We need to strengthen our work to demand that a transition of the economy delivers justice - not just of workers in the fossil fuel industries, but for communities most impacted by climate change. We can only do that by restoring a global commitment to democratic governance and economies oriented toward the public good.

We must also ensure workers are properly prepared for the new realities we face. We hope we can continue to work with you to ensure the ILO Guidelines on Decent Work for public emergency service workers, are implemented.

We extend our solidarity and sincerest best wishes and hope that you, your members and their families are safe and supported.

In Solidarity,

Kate Lappin,

Regional Secretary, Asia and Pacific