Follow the Mercy Corps earthquake response in Nepal (Apr. 27, 2015)
Our team on the ground is currently distributing emergency supplies to survivors of this weekend’s massive 7.8 earthquake in Nepal. Many of them have experienced their own losses and tragedies, but continue to work tirelessly to help their neighbors survive.
Today we received this report from Mercy Corps staff member Chet Tamang in a village about 25 miles southeast of Kathmandu:
“I am safe with my family but the situation is getting worse. After I heard that my house in my village (Kavre) had been reduced to rubble, I travelled there together with my wife. My children are with my brother and mom in Kathmandu. I am now in Kavre helping my father and relatives to clear debris and manage temporary shelter.
This is the worst disaster I have ever experienced. The damage is so huge and wide that government assistance hasn't reached our village yet. Almost all houses in my village are not suitable for living. We have experienced more than 30 aftershocks and the rain is making the situation worse.
My family members in Kavre and Kathmandu are staying outside their houses due to fear of frequent aftershocks. I hope the situation will improve soon.”
A team of seasoned Mercy Corps emergency responders is currently being deployed to Nepal to assist our staff in our immediate response and reaching some of the more remote areas — as well as planning for longer-term recovery efforts.
The government of Nepal has also requested that we distribute additional household supplies, shelter kits and tarps as soon as possible.
Aftershocks have continued to shake areas of Nepal, contributing to a sense of fear and chaos. Thousands of people have been sleeping outside, scared to return home to damaged buildings that may collapse. It’s been reported that some smaller villages have been completely leveled, with no homes left standing.
We are now building a plan to reach remote areas that are vulnerable and need assistance. The damage in these more rural areas is still undetermined, and it could take days to get there due to damaged roads.