From volunteering locally to donating to international organizations, there are several ways the Emory community can help in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Nepal, according to a brief from Emory's Center for Humanitarian Emergencies, part of the Rollins School of Public Health.
On April 25, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal, with the epicenter in Kamjung District of Kathmandu near the border with China. This was a major earthquake with more than eight million people in 39 districts of Nepal being affected and more than two million severely impacted.
As of 11 a.m. April 29, the Nepal Ministry of Home Affairs reported 5,006 deaths and 10,194 injured people; more than 3.5 million people are estimated to need food assistance.
The Center for Humanitarian Emergencies recommends three main ways that Emory community members can respond to the earthquake:
1. Stay informed.
Sources of information include current interviews from RSPH faculty and staff, as well as online resources. Recommended resources include the following:
2. Volunteer locally.
While it's unrealistic to volunteer in the immediate response (sometimes we have the best of intentions but may not have the skills that are needed on the ground), we can volunteer at local agencies and non‐profits that are working in Nepal, the Center notes.
For example, maybe you can volunteer at CARE or The Carter Center? Maybe contact organizations working with Bhutani‐Nepalese community members such as Global Growers and The Global Village in Decatur, the CHE brief suggests. Also, check with local Nepali restaurants such as Himalayan Spice, Kathmandu Kitchen, and South Asian Market to see if they are donating proceeds to the response efforts.
3. Donate.
Support vetted aid agencies with experience in both emergency response and working in Nepal. Some of the top recommended agencies from Charity Navigator include UNICEF, AmeriCares, CARE, Save the Children, Catholic Relief Services and Oxfam.
Additionally, the Emory Student Government Association established a gofundme page to support the Nepal Red Cross. All proceeds will be donated to that organization. Want an easy way to donate? Check to see if there's a texting campaign by your cell phone service provider.
Here is a list of some of the groups soliciting donations for relief efforts in Nepal:
Habitat for Humanity International
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
United Nations World Food Program
The Jewish Federations of North America
SOS: Children's Villages International
Operation Blessing International
As more information about the impact of the earthquake in Nepal becomes available, please feel free to seek out the staff of the Center for Humanitarian Emergencies if you have any questions or need any assistance 404-727-3061.