RAT responds. 36 people to leave for Surkhet tomorrow.

Day 6
22nd July 2009, Wednesday

Rapid Assessment Team (RAT) that left 2 days ago informed the coordination team of the situation and the needs after a detailed discussion and planning with Dr. Pathak at Surkhet. (Dr. Pathak has been coordinating the epidemic control mission in the west for the government.) RAT asked that 35 volunteers be sent for Rukum as soon as possible.

• 38 volunteers and 2 ENPHO representatives expressed their willingness to leave tomorrow. The potential volunteers will have a training tomorrow before they leave for Surkhet. Surkhet will be the 'base camp' for Paschim Paaila's mission in the west. The travel costs will be taken care of by team leaders and each volunteer will be given a living allowance of Rs. 300 per day.
• Logistic preparations and collection of materials were done for the following day's departure from Kathmandu to Surkhet.
  
• It was decided that a candle light vigil will be organized just before the departure of the team of volunteers, in memory of the 200 people who fell victims of death caused by diarrhea.
• Paschim Paaila met with ENPHO leaders to resolve some technical challenges with fund-raising. It was decided that a bank account should be opened under ENPHO for the campaign instead of a relief fund for smooth functioning. Some specific goals of the campaign were also set.
• It was also decided that Paschim Paaila now needs media attention for further support. Paschim Paaila will issue its press release tomorrow.