Mennonite Central Committee is beginning to assess the next step for its Nepal earthquake response. The focus moving forward will be making sure local residents learn proper techniques on how to build hazard resistant structures.

Program Director, Mark Epp shared the extent of damage that occurred in Nepal.

"We didn't see tons of destruction," said Epp. "For example, if you are familiar with Haiti I had been there after the earthquake there, it wasn't the same level of destruction right in Kathmandu because the epicentres of the two main earthquakes were outside the city.  There was some destruction buildings, houses, business buildings that had been destroyed, partially destroyed or very severely cracked."

Approximately 505,000 houses were completely destroyed with another 280,000 homes left partially damaged.

Epp noted with monsoon season on the way, a main priority is getting residents the shelter they need to stay safe.

"We are committed to working with our partners to provide a longer term response," he said.  "We are looking at a response of approximately three years.  Probably most of the work will happen in the first couple of years.  Our main focus will be shelter and hazard resistant construction."

Epp added MCC is also working with partners in the Nepal region on areas like food security, water, sanitation and hygiene.