Red Cross Response to Nepal Earthquake

The global Red Cross network, led by the Nepal Red Cross and supported by the American Red Cross, has mounted an international response to provide emergency humanitarian assistance following the devastating 7.8 Magnitude earthquake that shook Nepal on the morning of April 25, 2015. 

The earthquake is the largest to hit Nepal since 1934 and has caused significant destruction and loss of life. Reports vary, but the earthquake has killed 7,700 people, injured more than 16,400, and damaged or destroyed more than 500,000 homes. At least 50 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 5 to 6.7, have caused further damage to buildings and increased the risk of collapse. The earthquake has damaged schools, homes and health facilities, limited access to water and sanitation, resulted in the loss of livestock, disrupted livelihoods and left an estimated 3.5 million in need of food assistance.

The Nepal Red Cross, which has extensive experience in responding to natural disasters and plays a leading role in the government’s contingency plan, provided first aid, search and rescue, and support to first responders immediately following the disaster. More than 4,000 first aid volunteers have been deployed, and all affected districts have volunteers and staff in place. The Nepal Red Cross has also deployed its disaster response teams in twelve of the most affected districts. Some 28,400 tarpaulins, over 2,000 sets of relief supplies and over 241,800,000 water purification tablets have been distributed to date. The Nepal Red Cross is also providing ready to eat meals and rice to the affected population.  

In response to the devastation, the American Red Cross has committed $5,000,000 to recovery and relief efforts.  The American Red Cross is also providing relief supplies to support the response and is working closely with the Nepal Red Cross and the global Red Cross to coordinate additional support.

Here are three ways to help those affected by the Nepal Earthquake:

•GIVE: To help those affected by the Nepal Earthquake, visit Redcross.org or contact your local chapter.

•MAP: To help with critical mapping efforts, visit http://tasks.hotosm.org. No experience is needed, just a computer and internet connection.

•SHARE: Spread the word on relief efforts and ways to help online. Find and share information on social channels, including the global Red Cross Twitter account and American Red Cross Facebook and Twitter posts.