Nepal Quake: Signs of hope, but much work still needs to be done

World Vision concerned for children and communities one month after deadly quake 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 25, 2015 /CNW/ - While progress is being made to provide basic needs, the international aid agency World Vision is warning that much work still needs to be done to assist children and their families in Nepal to recover from the April 25^th earthquake. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which was followed by hundreds of aftershocks and a 7.4-magnitude quake on May 12^th, left more than 8,600 people dead and thousands of others injured or homeless.

QUOTES

"Over the past month, our team in Nepal has seen its share of heartache and despair as families come to terms with the loss of their loved ones, their homes or their livelihoods. But we've also seen the incredible resilience of the Nepali people, particularly the children, and this is what keeps us motivated to help those in need," says Jimmy Nadapdap, World Vision Nepal Earthquake Response Manager.

"We've reached over 35,000 quake survivors and distributed thousands of blankets, tarpaulins, household supply kits and mosquito nets," says Jimmy Nadapdap, World Vision Nepal Earthquake Response Manager. "Access to remote communities remains difficult as the May 12^th earthquake and continued aftershocks have triggered landslides that have blocked roads. Aid supplies often have to be hand-carried for several hours to reach these communities."

"We're grateful for the generosity of Canadians who have already contributed to World Vision's Nepal earthquake relief efforts," says Michael Messenger, incoming president of World Vision Canada. "We are hopeful that Canadians will find it in their hearts to help the people of Nepal today, as it's the final day of the Government of Canada's matching donations program, where each dollar contributed is matched, dollar-for-dollar, by the government."

FAST FACTS:

• World Vision has distributed thousands of tarpaulins, corrugated iron sheets, blankets, buckets, hygiene kits and mosquito nets to households in Nepal. The agency has targeted to provide relief supplies to 100,000 people in the initial relief phase of its earthquake response.
• Although lower than expected rainfall levels are being forecast for the upcoming monsoon season, local officials in Nepal warn that there is still a real risk of landslides as many slopes were weakened and much soil loosened by the earthquakes and aftershocks
• Canadians wishing to support World Vision's emergency response in Nepal can text "AID" to 45678 to donate $20, or donate by online at worldvision.ca or by calling 1-866-595-5550.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

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