STAMFORD – AmeriCares is responding to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Nepal earlier today, causing buildings to collapse, setting off avalanches on Mount Everest and catapulting the region into chaos. The massive quake struck shortly before noon local time, centered about 50 miles from Kathmandu and could be felt as far away as New Delhi. Strong aftershocks have been felt throughout the region.
More than 1,400 people are reported to have died in Nepal and the death toll is quickly rising. Hospitals are overflowing with patients and medical personnel are treating the injured in the streets, according to news reports. The Nepali government has requested international assistance.
An emergency response team from the AmeriCares India office in Mumbai is headed to the impact zone and relief workers are preparing shipments of medical aid and relief supplies for survivors. AmeriCares stocks emergency medicine and relief supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis, and launches comprehensive recovery programs that restore health services for disaster survivors.
“Our emergency response team is en route to Nepal and we are prepared to help any way that we can,” said AmeriCares President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. “This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families suffering.”
AmeriCares has been aiding survivors of natural disasters, political conflict and extreme poverty around the world for more than 30 years, saving lives and restoring health and hope.
You can help by donating to AmeriCares here.
