Floods in Nepal - Please Help

Dear Friends,
 
On Wednesday, August 26th, a glacier collapse sent a torrent of ice, mud, and water raging through the Himalayan river system along the Tibet-Nepal border. The area affected is along a route used by pilgrims and trekkers that links Lhasa and Mt. Kailash with Nepal and extends further south into Nepal. Entire villages and key infrastructure along the Thrisuli River were wiped out in seconds with virtually no warning. Hundreds have been declared dead and many thousands more are unaccounted for.
 
The Nepali government has activated more than 14,000 army and police personnel in initial rescue efforts. They have also implemented restrictions in the area, as more flooding is likely, due to a buildup of water near the initial flooding site as well as unusually heavy monsoon rains.
 
The devastation is unimaginable, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.  We are immensely grateful to share that everyone at HRDC and the satellite clinics are safe. The HRDC team has already mobilized to respond to this heartbreaking disaster, and we are asking for support so that HRDC can use their expertise and networks to quickly respond in the following ways:
  

• Emergency surgery for victims brought to Kathmandu by helicopter, which is happening daily now.

• Food, clothing, and essential household supplies, which will be delivered through HRDC’s established local networks.

• Mobile Health & Rehabilitation Camps, which will begin as soon as it is safe for HRDC staff to travel, coordinated by HRDC’s Community-Based Rehabilitation Workers.

• Surgical intervention for victims identified through the mobile medical camps, followed by rehabilitation and assistive devices.

• Medicine and Medical Supplies for affected health facilities.

 
HRDC is responding to this tragedy right now, with surgery, organization of Community-Based Rehabilitation Workers, and strong relationships with local governments and health facilities. Depending on the amount raised, HRDC will reach communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan districts.
 
We are grateful for the outpouring of support in the last few days and hope you will join us to support HRDC’s critical efforts during this unimaginable tragedy. Please indicate Disaster Relief Fund for contributions for this effort.
 
Sincerely,

Eileen Moncoeur
Executive Director