Major Earthquake Hits Nepal: CRS and Caritas Mobilizing Response
April 26, 2015 by Jim Stipe
Updated April 26, 2015
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has made an initial commitment of $725,000 toward relief efforts in Nepal and surrounding countries where a powerful earthquake has caused widespread damage.
A dozen CRS emergency specialists are on the way to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, where many buildings collapsed in the 7.8 magnitude quake centered about 50 miles northwest of the capital city.
The official death toll is above 2,200 and still rising, with officials yet to reach many outlying villages. A deadly avalanche was reported at Mount Everest, undoubtedly only one of many in the Himalayas.
“People are in a state of shock and are going to face a cold night outside tonight,” CRS India staffer Kushal Neogy, who is in Kathmandu, said right after the earthquake hit. “There is no electricity. It appears to be a chaotic situation with a feeling of panic.” He added, “People of the area are confused, markets are closed, and getting basic essentials is expensive and challenging.”
As CRS personnel arrive in Kathmandu, they will work closely with Caritas Nepal and Caritas India as well as Caritas Australia which has staff on the ground.
“We are immediately sending materials for emergency shelter and for safe water, sanitation and hygiene as these are expected to be the urgent needs,” said CRS India Country Representative Tony Castleman. Because of the cold conditions, CRS is also sending blankets to the area.
Supplies prepositioned in India will be moved by road into Nepal as additional relief items are procured locally. The UN has been contacted about the possibility of humanitarian relief flights should that be needed.
“Rescue is the first priority,” said Fr. Pius Perumana S.J., Director of Caritas Nepal, based in Kathmandu. “Lots of people have lost their homes and are out on the street or in open spaces so we will be looking to provide them with food and temporary shelter.”
Nepal and the neighboring regions are known for seismic activity, but not of this magnitude.
“It is the worst earthquake I have ever experienced in my life,” Fr. Perumana said. “Thank God it was during the day and on a holiday as many people were outside when the quake happened.”
A prayer for Nepal is available in the CRS Resource Center.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has made an initial commitment of $725,000 toward relief efforts in Nepal and surrounding countries where a powerful earthquake has caused widespread damage.
A dozen CRS emergency specialists are on the way to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, where many buildings collapsed in the 7.8 magnitude quake centered about 50 miles northwest of the capital city.The official death toll is above 2,200 and still rising, with officials yet to reach many outlying villages. A deadly avalanche was reported at Mount Everest, undoubtedly only one of many in the Himalayas.
“People are in a state of shock and are going to face a cold night outside tonight,” CRS India staffer Kushal Neogy, who is in Kathmandu, said right after the earthquake hit. “There is no electricity. It appears to be a chaotic situation with a feeling of panic.” He added, “People of the area are confused, markets are closed, and getting basic essentials is expensive and challenging.”
As CRS personnel arrive in Kathmandu, they will work closely with Caritas Nepal and Caritas India as well as Caritas Australia which has staff on the ground.
“We are immediately sending materials for emergency shelter and for safe water, sanitation and hygiene as these are expected to be the urgent needs,” said CRS India Country Representative Tony Castleman. Because of the cold conditions, CRS is also sending blankets to the area.
Supplies prepositioned in India will be moved by road into Nepal as additional relief items are procured locally. The UN has been contacted about the possibility of humanitarian relief flights should that be needed.
“Rescue is the first priority,” said Fr. Pius Perumana S.J., Director of Caritas Nepal, based in Kathmandu. “Lots of people have lost their homes and are out on the street or in open spaces so we will be looking to provide them with food and temporary shelter.”
Nepal and the neighboring regions are known for seismic activity, but not of this magnitude.
“It is the worst earthquake I have ever experienced in my life,” Fr. Perumana said. “Thank God it was during the day and on a holiday as many people were outside when the quake happened.”
A prayer for Nepal is available in the CRS Resource Center.
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