The massive quake may be over, but lives are still on the line. Here’s how you can help.
The earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 changed millions of lives in a matter of hours. The UN estimates that 8 million people—more than a quarter of Nepal’s population—were affected by the quake and its subsequent aftershocks. Nepal’s government has declared a state of emergency in 30 of its 75 districts. The death toll currently stands at more than 4,300 people, and continues to rise as reports filter in from harder-to-reach areas.
Meanwhile, survivors urgently need our support in the hours and days ahead. Homes have been completely destroyed or severely damaged. Around 34,000 people are living in makeshift camps and thousands more are sleeping out in the open. Oxfam aid workers report that almost 98 percent of stores in Kathmandu Valley are closed, and the stores that are open are rapidly running low on supplies.
“A lot of buildings have been collapsed and many people have suffered injuries,” said Sanu Maya Shrestha, a resident of Jaisidewal, Kathmandu. “My family members and the tenants of my house somehow managed to survive and [take] shelter together. We did not get anything to eat for two days. … I have a big family to feed. I don’t know how I can manage it. Even if we have money there are not food items at stores to buy. No water is available to drink. We can’t say how long we [will] survive and cope with this tragedy.”
What is Oxfam doing?
Oxfam aims to reach at least 350,000 people hit by the earthquake, providing clean water, toilets and shelter. We are working in four open-air sites in the Kathmandu Valley, delivering water and building toilets. Over the coming days we will work with other agencies to provide clean water to 16 open-air sites set up by the government of Nepal and to provide food and shelter, while also expanding operations outside Kathmandu.
Oxfam has been working in Nepal for more than 20 years, partnering with both local organizations and the government. Our long-term programs include helping farmers to grow more crops, empowering women through literacy and livelihoods, and helping communities to be better prepared for disasters. We will remain there for the long haul.
How can you help?
By supporting Oxfam’s Nepal Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund. Thousands of people have already contributed to our relief efforts, and this kind of response is only possible because of the generosity of supporters like you. Yet there’s much more that needs to be done. Working quickly is critical, and we urgently need your help to continue ramping up relief efforts.
Help rush life-saving aid to earthquake survivors.