Earthquake in Nepal: This is just the beginning

One week ago, a devastating 7.8 earthquake struck central Nepal. You’ve already heard the facts. Thousands are dead, thousands more are injured. Homes have toppled, children and their families are without food or water. Some villages have been destroyed altogether and many remote areas are still inaccessible. Nearly 3 million children are in need of help. The situation on the ground is truly terrifying. I was speaking with one of our colleagues in Nepal the other day, and he told me how difficult this has been. Many UNICEF staff in Nepal have also lost family and friends. They are traumatized but they are back at work, doing what they know needs to be done. My colleague told me that “the fact that we know you will do everything possible to help us gives us the courage to keep going”. It means so much to them to know they’re not alone. That’s why we at UNICEF Canada have been working hard to raise funds and awareness. Because UNICEF has been working in Nepal for 50 years, we were able to respond immediately: Within hours of the earthquake, UNICEF had already delivered water purification tablets, oral rehydration tablets, oral rehydration salts and hygiene kits to affected communities, thanks to pre-positioned stock in UNICEF warehouses in the area. These will help stave off water borne diseases for families who have little access to safe water as a result of the earthquake. In the space of just two days, UNICEF delivered more than 29 metric tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including tents and tarpaulins, water purification tablets, first aid and hygiene kits, providing desperately needed shelter, clean water and medical aid. In the coming days and weeks, UNICEF will continue shipping and distributing vital supplies, and will be leading the international response on water and sanitation, nutrition and education. But this is just the beginning of our work in Nepal. The road ahead will be long and difficult. But we will keep going. We will continue to keep you updated on UNICEF’s work in Nepal in the coming weeks and months. Sincerely, David Morley President & CEO, UNICEF Canada P.S. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a donation to support UNICEF’s relief efforts in Nepal. As you’ve read above, the need is great and any contribution will make a difference. Help us build momentum by sharing our emergency updates on Facebook and Twitter.