Caritas responds to massive earthquake in Nepal

Caritas responds to massive earthquake in Nepal

Caritas is rapidly responding to a massive 7.9 earthquake that has hit Nepal. The epicentre was between the capital Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara. Extensive damage has been reported, with loss of life and injury.

"It was the worst earthquake I have ever experienced in my life. The after-shocks are still strong. The indications so far are that this is a major emergency," said Caritas Nepal director Fr. Pius Perumana S.J. in Kathmandu.

He said that there has been lots of physical damage, electricity has been down, making communications difficult and roads are blocked.

"Lots of houses have fallen down and there are lots with cracks. Thank God it was during the day and on a holiday, as many people were outside when the quake happened."

Assessments are coming in and Caritas teams in-country are organising the response.

"Rescue is the first priority. Lots of people have lost their homes and are out on the street or in open spaces, so we will be looking to provide them with food and temporary shelter."

The airport is currently closed, so Caritas members are preparing to send aid overland from India.

“Caritas has a very strong disaster response team who have been responding to other emergencies like the landslides that affected communities in Nepal in August 2014,” says Anna Robertson, Programmes Coordinator for Nepal.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is appealing for donations to provide humanitarian relief to those affected by this major emergency in Nepal.

For more information, please contact Communications, Marketing and Fundraising Advisor Crispin Anderlini on 021 190 9908 or email to crispin@caritas.org.nz

Donations to assist with the humanitarian response can be made by:

• Donating online using a credit card at www.caritas.org.nz

• Internet banking - account #03 0518 0211216 00

• Phoning 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ agency for justice, peace and development, and incorporates Mahitahi - Catholic Overseas Volunteers. We are working for a world free of poverty and injustice through community development, advocacy, education, and emergency relief.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS

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