Saturday morning, April 25th, a devastating earthquake took place in Nepal. The epicenter of the earthquake (7.9 on the Richter scale) was located 77 kilometers northwest of the capital Kathmandu. The damage is extensive and millions of people are affected. This terrible disaster has taken many lives and the health of many others are at stake. People have lost their homes and the situation in the remote areas is still unknown. In the few days after, several aftershocks (above 6) have occurred, which made live very insecure for the people in Nepal.

We have not been able to assess the full situation, as in some areas the communication networks are not working properly. From our partners in Nepal we have received the information that many people lost their lives and homes in the areas where we work, as some are right in the epicenter. Specifically Gorkha district has been severely damaged. Our partners estimated that more than 400 people died and 80% of the homes have been destroyed.

We also received the confirmation that most of our partners in Kathmandu are all right, but that they have not been able to establish contact with all colleagues in the field. As soon as we have more information, we will share this and see what we can do to help.

Our thoughts go out to the Nepali people, our partners and their families. We wish them all the strength and courage to overcome this tragic event.

SHO (Samenwerkende HulpOrganisaties), the organizations behind Giro555, deliver immediate emergency aid. There is an urgent need for food, safe drinking water, shelter and medical care. You can help the people in Nepal by donating to SHO Giro555!