Nepal had been devastated by the recent earthquake and many governments and organizations have set up Nepal Relief funds. Here is a status update just received from our business partners in Nepal, and how you can help.
Our travel partners in Nepal are experiencing the devastation first hand. They have guides and other staff whose homes are destroyed. Key points from them about this tragedy:
• An estimated 4.8 million people have been displaced by the earthquake, as hundreds of thousands of people are afraid to return to their homes.
• More than 100,000 houses have been destroyed, a figure that is expected to rise.
• Fuel is urgently needed to pump ground water and maintain hospital services.
• Rain and thunder are forecast for the next 10 days ahead of monsoon season from June to September.
• Hospital capacity has been overwhelmed, forcing many people to be treated on roads. Managing dead bodies has been challenging and surgical facilities are overwhelmed. Many hospitals near Kathmandu have reportedly run out of medicines. Diarrhea is already an issue in the Kathmandu valley.
• An estimated 5.2 million people are in urgent need of water, sanitation and hygiene support.
• Some 4.5 million people need food assistance, including 2.4 million in need of priority assistance.
PLEASE Donate!
CANADA
- Government of Canada – Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada has established the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. For every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between April 25 and May 25, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. This matching contribution will support humanitarian, early recovery and reconstruction assistance in Nepal through projects undertaken by Canada’s international humanitarian and non-governmental partners responding to the earthquake according to established channels and procedures. The Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund is separate from the funds raised by charities and will be administered by the Government of Canada.
- CBC has published a list of charities accepting donations now. Here are a few of the very worthwhile charities helping now:
- Red Cross – Red Cross teams are on the ground providing assistance and Canadians are encouraged to help support the effort.
- UNICEF is responding to the needs of children and families affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has struck the area in and around the capital city of Kathmandu in Nepal. The earthquake has toppled buildings and destroyed roads and infrastructure.
- MSF – Medecines Sans Frontiers’ teams are conducting mobile clinics and treating patients, preparing to build field hospitals.
- Travel Companies – Intrepid Travel and G Adventures
OTHER COUNTRIES
Check your own government’s commitment to assisting Nepal in this time of crisis, or your own Red Cross, MSF, Unicef or other charity.
Every little bit helps. Thank-you for your generosity.
