VuttiVuttisant, Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal travelled by road on 15 May 2015 to visit Sindhupalchok district to take stock of the situation after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Nepal on 25 April 2015.  Ambassador Vuttisant was accompanied by Dr. SomsakPipoppinyo, Food and Agriculture Organization Representative to Nepal and FAO staff from Rome, Italy, who are assisting with the response.

Ambassador Vuttisant travelled by road throughout the day and was briefed in Chautara by the Chief District Officer, the Local Development Officer, District Agricultural Development Officer and District Livestock Service Officer.

Sindhupalchok is one of the worst earthquake affected districts. While the epicentre of the earthquake was in Gorkha district, the 6.7 magnitude aftershock took place in Sindupalchok 17km south of Kodari, killing and injuring thousands. Many VDCs have still not been reached due to their remoteness and inaccessibility both in terms of roads and telecommunications.

According to district authorities 63,885 houses are severely damaged and at least 109,000 peopleare affected, 40% of district population.  This number may increase. Around 90,000 people are in need of urgent assistance.