Nepal Earthquake Recovery Update

When the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Kathmandu on April 25th 2015, Splash was there—able to act immediately. Splash is not in the disaster response business, however, our unique business model positioned us to provide earthquake recovery support. Within 24 hours, our Nepal team was out surveying damage, conducting repairs, and providing clean water to thousands of people in need.

“The day after the earthquake, all the staff came to work. We immediately began going out to assess our sites. Eventually, when we realized that at least 100,000 people a day – sometimes double that – were using our systems to get clean water, we felt very humbled and proud to be a part of Splash Nepal.”

~ Kriti Baidya, Partner Support Coordinator, Splash Nepal

Before the Nepal earthquake, 150 of Kathmandu's poorest schools already had safe water thanks to our Nepal team. In the aftermath, these schools became water-distribution points for earthquake victims in the most affected communities. These safe water systems will continue to serve schools for years in the future.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the durability of our water systems, and the swift response of our local staff, clean water is flowing once again at 100% of Splash’s 150 original sites!

Although the water systems survived, many of the school buildings crumbled. The money raised covered the cost of returning all sites to full service and incorporating new disaster-readiness designs at all existing and future sites. Donations also enabled Splash to install 36 new drinking stations and 35 new handwashing stations at Kathmandu schools—taking us beyond our original model to meet the increased demand for clean water and hygiene facilities. Upon request of the government, Splash now supports clean water and hygiene at 75 schools and temporary learning centers in rural Lalitpur, the area of Kathmandu Valley most badly hit by the earthquake.

Today, Splash is providing clean water to more people than ever before.

With life slowly returning to normal in Nepal, Splash is advancing quickly towards its goal of 100% coverage of public schools—but with a greater focus on disaster preparedness. We are now retrofitting 45 of the 150 existing sites to ensure all Splash sites meet new design and safety standards. Learnings from these retrofits will inform new interventions, continuing to improve the way Splash secures clean water at every public school Kathmandu for years to come.

Continue supporting our work by making a donation to Splash today. Thank you!