I have no words. All I can say is that an organisation that I am closely affiliated with (as I serve on the Board of ChildFund Australia) is doing some fantastic work in the region and could use any support you want to give to the children in Nepal. What happened?
In a nutshell, this is the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in 80 years (the last major earthquake was in 1934).
- More than 3,200 people have been killed and over 6,500 injured, with the numbers continuing to climb
- According to UNICEF, almost a million children have been severely affected
- ChildFund has been working in Nepal for 20 years (through our sister organisation ChildFund Japan)
- Our emergency response is focused on Sindhupalchok district, one of the worst-affected areas
- Initial reports from our partner staff estimate 80 per cent of mud houses in the communities where we work have been destroyed – children and families are now staying outdoors in freezing temperatures and need immediate assistance
- Our primary concern is for the care and protection of children affected by this terrible disaster
- Our team on the ground is conducting a rapid assessment so that our response can get underway
ChildFund are continuing to post updates on social media and would appreciate you sharing the appeal link with your networks. Otherwise, there are a list of reputable places to send your $$ here.
There are an overwhelming number of disasters that are fighting for our attention in the news at the moment.
This is simply one...
Either way, don't let the tide of distress paralyse you from being able to interact with and support any of the movements or responses. Make sure you play your part - however small - in making this world a little safer, in whatever way you know how.