Help Nepal Recovery Efforts

24 June 2015 – Since the devastating earthquake in Nepal on April 25 ago, help efforts have shifted from emergency response to repair and long-term recovery. Thousands of Sherpa porters are helping with relief efforts. Oxfam, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and other relief agencies have started a "cash-for-work program".

This program has enabled 20,000 Sherpa porters, who lost their work due to the sudden end to the trekking season, to earn an income by delivering supplies and repairing trails to remote villages cut off by the quake.
They have already helped build 9,000 transitional shelters and help farmers work in their fields.

Relief agency operations in Nepal still need US$74 million to keep providing assistance until the end of the year. This includes not only food, medical and building materials, but also the air and land transportation to deliver them as well as telecommunication services.

There are many relief agencies to which you can donate. However, follow safe guidelines to ensure your donation will be put to good use:

(1) Check out the charity. Large charity organizations can be checked out through such websites as Charity Navigator, Guidestar and the Better Business Bureau.

(2) Target funds for a particular purpose. For example, the dropdown menu at InterAction's Nepal webpage will direct you to organizations in a number of areas including medical assistance, food aid, and supplies for shelter.

(3) Don't send used clothes or supplies. Air transportation and cargo space are currently limited. Donated funds can help relief agencies buy local goods, which will help rebuild the economy.

Thank you! Every little bit helps.