Caritas appeals for $100,000 support for Nepal

At least 2,000 people were killed and thousands of houses were destroyed when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Himalayan nation on Saturday.

International:  Caritas Internationlis, a network of Caritas member organizations across the world, has requested US$ 100,000 to provide for immediate relief and temporary shelter quake-hit people in Nepal.

At least 2,000 people were killed and thousands of hosuese were destroyed when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Himalayan nation on Saturday.

It has paralyzed capital Kathmandu, Pokhara and surrounding areas in Nepal and parts of northern India

“The international Caritas network has begun procuring tarpaulins, shelter kits and water, sanitation and hygiene materials. They are also looking to address the need of trauma counselling for people who are out in open spaces and some in temporary shelters around Kathmandu," said a press release from Cartias.

Caritas India Executive Director Fr. Frederick D’Souza has agreed to send a team of experts from India to set up a stronger relief base in Nepal. Besides the human resource, India will invite generous funds from the business houses for this cause.

“Even as we get ready to send more help, Caritas India’s South Zonal Manager Dr Haridas is already part of the response team” Fr. Frederick informed Caritas India Chairman Bishop Lumen Monteiro. Bishop Lumen requested everyone’s prayer in this mission.

Caritas Nepal Director Fr. Pius informed his counterpart in India that the team is waiting for the government to allot area of relief intervention.

“He has expressed happiness over India’s willingness to support team Nepal in carrying out relief work”, said Fr. Frederick.

Confirming that it is a major earthquake since 1982, the Government of Nepal today had invited Caritas Nepal and other humanitarian agencies to a coordination meeting. Without any delay these agencies are requested to inform and coordinate with the Home Ministry for any response. The Nepal government reportedly is yet to activate its machineries.

Assessments are still coming even as regular and strong aftershocks (66 so far) continue to haunt people, compelling them to stay outdoor.

"Rescue is the still the main priority at the moment. Lots of people have lost their homes and are out on the streets or in open spaces at 11 and 15 degrees Celsius’ temperature overnight, so we will be looking to provide them with food and temporary shelter," said Caritas Nepal Director Fr Pius.

He said that irregular power supply and other physical damage is making communications difficult affecting easy coordination between responding teams.

With highest casualties from Kathmandu (723 dead, 2431 injured) the Nepal government has declared 12 more districts as most affected - Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Raswa, Kavre, Dolakha, Gorkha, Ramechap, Nuwarkot, Sindupalchok, Dhading, Makawanpur and Sindhuli.

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