Relief and recovery efforts in Nepal

By Gary C.K. Huang, 2014-15 Rotary International President

Devastation in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital captured by Rotaractor Ashish Chaulagain. Photo courtesy of ShelterBox

Joined by Rotary members worldwide, we express our profound sadness and extend our sympathies to all those impacted by the devastation resulting from the 25 April deadly earthquake in Nepal. Rescue missions and emergency aid continue to arrive in Nepal as 8 million people have been impacted by the massive 7.8 magnitude quake.

As we mourn the thousands of lost lives, Rotary joins many international agencies in providing immediate relief to survivors and mobilizing our expertise to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout the country.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their concerns and desires to assist the devastated communities in Nepal:

District 3292, Nepal, has established a disaster relief fund to provide needed equipment and supplies to impacted communities. Contact District Governor Kumar Piya for information about contributing to the fund.
ShelterBox response team member Nicola Hinds with Geeta Shrestha, Nursing Director at one of the Kathmandu hopsitals that have received ShelterBox tents. Photo courtesy of Phil Duloy/ShelterBox.

Rotary’s service partner ShelterBox is working closely with Nepali Rotary members to coordinate immediate relief efforts. On Monday, 27 April, and Wednesday, 29 April, Rotarians greeted ShelterBox response teams in Nepal who will mobilize temporary housing and relief efforts in impacted communities. Two more relief teams will arrive in Nepal this weekend. Working with local authorities, an initial 500 housing tents and 500 shelter kits will be distributed throughout impacted communities. An estimated additional 2,500 kits, tents, water purification kits and solar lamps may be deployed once further assessments are complete. Learn more about supporting ShelterBox’s relief efforts.
As with all disasters, the Rotary family may apply for global grants to support long-term recovery efforts in Nepal. Once immediate health, safety, and relief efforts have been addressed, work with local Nepali Rotary members and their international partners to develop projects within Rotary’s six areas of focus.

Monitor the announcements section of My Rotary for more information as it becomes available and do not hesitate to contact relief@rotary.org with any questions.

Our thoughts are with our Nepali neighbors during this difficult time. Thank you for continuing to Light Up Rotary through your compassion and generosity.

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3 thoughts on “Relief and recovery efforts in Nepal”

I am a member of Rotary Club of Puthur, Kerala, India
(District 3210) We have collected around 200 cartons of various goods such as biscuits, soaps, candles, sanitary napkins, bandages etc.Which was done as per the news on Times of India daily .They mentioned these items will be air lifted by Indigo airlines at free of cost to Nepal.Now they say they can’t handle it.and we are struck . Please advise what is to be done.Goods are worth more than Rs.2 lacs and are non perishable.

rotaryservice says:

May 4, 2015 at 09:17

Hi Mathews,

Thank you for your comment and District 3210’s efforts to assist the impact communities throughout Nepal. Typically individuals who work in shipping and transportation, or who have relationships with these companies, may be able to assist with this effort. District 3210’s leadership may wish to inquire if someone in your district works in the shipping and transportation industry. We also encourage you to contact District 3292’s District Governor to inquire whether local Rotarians are able to assist with shipping.

Best regards,

Rotary Service Connections staff

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