The earthquake in Nepal happened at around noon on 25 April 2015, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. It was the most powerful disaster to strike Nepal since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake, killing more than 7.000, with many thousands injured.
Its epicenter was the village of Barpak, Gorkha district. The earthquake triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest, killing at least 19, making it the deadliest day on the mountain in history. It triggered another huge avalanche in Langtang valley, where 250 were reported missing.
Hundreds of thousands of people were made homeless with entire villages flattened, across many districts of the country. Centuries-old buildings were destroyed at UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including some at the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar Square and the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
In the Nagarkot region, where Nagarhope has focused its work over the last few years, almost all houses have been damaged. Construction standards in Nepal are not what they are in Ireland, and 3,000 – 4,000 houses in the region have been damaged, and are now dangerous for habitation. Many of the children sponsored through the charity are now effectively homeless and the initial focus is on providing temporary shelter to those in most need.
All of the schools have been damaged to some extent and the local authorities and school management are surveying the damage before deciding on whether it is safe to reopen the schools.
People have received assistance in the form of food and medical items. Rice and dried foods, water cleaning tablets, sanitary items and clothes are immediately required and Nagarhope has organised significant quantities of these to be distributed around the Nagarkot area.
The Nagarhope Committee in Nepal has met on a number of occasions. Even though Committee member’s houses have been destroyed they continue to seek the best way of helping everyone affected and we have to admire their perseverance in the face of such adversity.
With the monsoon season only one month away, there is a pressing need for shelter, and good quality tents are the most important relief items right now. Nagarhope is trying to work with international charities in Delhi and in Ireland to acquire and distribute these items. If anyone can support this relief effort, logistically, or with supplies, please do contact us.
Nagarhope has been working with the people of Nepal for nearly 10 years and now, in their time of need, is launching an earthquake appeal to help the relief efforts and help get the Nepali back on their feet. We ask you all to consider financial support for the people in Nepal, who need help to get back on their feet. The relief effort and rebuilding will continue for some years to come, but Nagarhope can immediately help those in need in Nepal now, but needs help to do it.
Please see Doc’s Appeal Video here.
Please donate through the website, or contact us in Ireland at 01-6241328.
Thank you all in advance. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Namaste!
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