Nepal Earthquake Relief

Objectives:
For May

Assist the victims of the April and May Earthquakes

Work closely with local partners and strengthen our relationships within the
community
Developing plans with the Charitable Trust to fundraise for aid
Recording information and producing donation reports for donors

Summary:
On Saturday the 25th April 2015, Nepal experienced a severe earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.8.
The biggest earthquake experienced by the developing nation in 80 years. The earthquake has caused
widespread damage and destruction across Nepal. The country is still experiencing aftershocks and the
death toll, currently in the thousands, is steadily rising. Thousands of people are injured and in need of
medical attention but Nepal a country unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude is struggling to
respond. As we have seen in past disasters the aftermath provides many challenges as basic supplies
become scarce, hospitals are inundated and disease spreads.

Report:
On Saturday the 2nd of May we loaded up two trucks which were headed for Phujel, Gorkha. GVI staff
member Lok accompanied a team of Himalayan Encounters staff to oversee the distribution of the
goods.
GVI volunteers and staff spent the previous days collecting donations from a stand set up out the front
of Himalayan Encounters and putting together care packs for easy distribution of the goods.
The care packs consisted of:
-

First aid essentials (rehydration salts,

bandages, antiseptic, paracetamol etc.)
Cooking utensils
Blankets
Clothes
Soap
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Water Purification
Sanitary Pads
Salt
Torches

Hygiene and Mental Health Information Leaflets

As well as Rice, Daal, soya beans, clothes, jerry cans and equipment to build shelter.
On Friday 8th May we sent out another two trucks filled with essential supplies to Kavre, which was one of
the hardest hit areas being so close to the epicenter and has received very little in the way of aid. In total we
have put together and sent out 150 emergency family packs reaching some of the hardest hit areas.

The hard work from the volunteers and staff has allowed us to get as much aid out as possible to the most
devastated of areas. Most of the families affected have a very low income and have lost their houses, farm land
and livestock. Monsoon season is upon us and families need shelter from the weather in order to maintain
health and hygiene. Nepal is a resilient nation but with the huge scale of destruction, difficult terrain and an
overwhelmed government the impact for the Nepali people is incomprehensible. It is absolutely vital that we
continue to support the Nepali people as the nation begins to get back on its feet.
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated and raised funds for the relief effort. We
still have a long road ahead but we will continue to work closely with the Charitable Trust and local partners to
continue to deliver the aid to the affected communities.