World Vision ramps up response for Nepal earthquake survivors

KATHMANDU, April 27, 2015 /CNW/ - As the full extent of the damage caused by Saturday's earthquake is revealed, World Vision is ramping up its relief efforts to help children and their families. Today the agency began distributing blankets and tarpaulins and assessment teams are on their way to the hardest-hit areas to assess the impact on vulnerable children. The most immediate needs are for potable water, food, household supplies, temporary shelter and protection for children.

The quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, has left more than 4,000 people dead and thousands of people injured. These figures are expected to rise as more information becomes available from remote areas of the country. Rain is also predicted throughout the next three days and people will need shelter. Visibility and access is expected to be impaired, further hampering search and rescue efforts and this will impact affected children and communities even more.

Quotes: 

"The most immediate need for many people in Nepal is shelter, as their homes have been severely damaged and in some cases, completely flattened. With this in mind, World Vision has begun a distribution of ropes and tarpaulins to people in the city of Bhaktapur, which was one of the worst-affected communities by the quake." - Liz Satow, national director of World Vision Nepal.

"World Vision's initial response to this disaster is aimed at providing assistance to approximately 100,000 people in the worst-affected areas of Bhaktapur, Gorkha, Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Lamjung. Our immediate priorities are providing food and shelter to people in need. As we move forward, we'll be setting up Child Friendly Spaces to address the distress faced by children affected by the earthquake." – Liz Satow, national director of World Vision Nepal.

"Canadians have been extremely generous in the past when they've given from the heart to help people who are facing natural disasters. Nepal is already one of the world's poorest and most vulnerable countries,, and I'm hopeful that Canadians will continue to support the relief efforts of international aid agencies such as World Vision."" – Michael Messenger, incoming president and CEO of World Vision Canada who is currently en route to the region.

Photos:

Please visit here to see World Vision's photos from the scene of the earthquake in Nepal

World Vision's Response:

• World Vision began distributing tarpaulins and blankets in Bhaktapur, one of the worst hit areas.
• World Vision will target an initial 100,000 people (20,000 families) in the worst-affected areas of Bhaktapur, Gorkha, Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Lamjung. The scale and scope of the agency's response may increase pending assessments of the situation.
• World Vision's priority is to address the immediate needs of children, including the establishment of Child-Friendly Spaces to help them deal with the trauma and distress caused by the earthquake.
• World Vision first started its development initiatives in Nepal in 1982. World Vision Nepal has 73 projects managed by 205 staff, and supports 27,000 sponsored children.

What Canadians can do:

Canadians wishing to support World Vision's emergency response in Nepal can donate by online at worldvision.ca, or by calling 1-866-595-5550.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Related Links

http://www.worldvision.ca