Plan International in Place to Respond to Nepal Earthquake

Needs of Children among Immediate Priorities

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Apr 25, 2015, 01:53 ET

KATHMANDU, Nepal, April 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International child rights and humanitarian development organization Plan International is in place in Nepal and set to launch a humanitarian response to the massive earthquake that has caused widespread devastation.

Plan has an extensive presence in Nepal, with field offices in areas severely impacted by the earthquake, including Kathmandu, Makwanpur, and Baglung.

"Children are particularly vulnerable in natural disasters, and making sure that their core needs -- shelter, water, healthcare, and essential protection mechanisms – are met will be among our immediate priorities," said Plan International Nepal's Country Director Mattias Bryneson.

"Children may be separated from their families, they may be injured themselves, their homes may be damaged or destroyed, and they may be deeply traumatized. As we get to work assessing the needs of communities and delivering relief, meeting these needs will be among our top priorities."

Damage assessment and casualty numbers are still being tallied from the massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday morning and also caused extensive damage and casualties in India and Bangladesh. "We expect that the impact of this will be massive," said Bryneson.

Power outages are frequent in the affected areas. Outside of the capital, cities and towns in affected areas are also devastated. Landslides have cut off several areas, while aftershocks remain a substantial risk.

"The demand for humanitarian relief is massive, and we're focused on getting aid distributed in coordination with other agencies, NGOs, and the government as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Bryneson.

Plan International is conducting a rapid assessment and working with government, NGO, and UN coordinating mechanisms. Relief teams are preparing to deploy into affected areas. An emergency appeal is expected to be issued shortly. For more information on Plan's response please visit, planusa.org.

About Plan International USA
Plan International USA is part of the Plan International Federation, a global organization that works side by side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Plan works at the community level to develop customized solutions and ensure long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities for generations to come and range from clean water and health care programs to education projects and child protection initiatives. For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.

SOURCE Plan International USA