Dear Huyen,
On April 25, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal, destroying hundreds of thousands of homes, injuring thousands of people and, heartbreakingly, killing more than 8,000 people. Moments after news of the disaster spread, you and thousands of other selfless members of the global Red Cross community came together to support those in need in Nepal. Thank you, for being there. With Tuesday’s 7.3 magnitude earthquake and ongoing aftershocks, your commitment continues to make it possible for the Red Cross to conduct critical assessments, coordinate response efforts and reconnect families separated by the earthquake.
Thanks to your generosity, relief efforts are well underway. There are 24 Red Cross societies currently on the ground in Nepal, and we’re working closely together to get supplies distributed – including fresh water, tents, tarps, food, latrines, satellite communications, and more. In addition to working with our global Red Cross partners, the American Red Cross has committed $5 million in funds to ongoing relief work, we deployed close to a dozen disaster specialists, and we provided essential supplies to support the response. We’re currently developing preliminary plans with the Nepal Red Cross to do long term recovery and are targeting entire villages to help rebuild.
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I just returned from a sobering visit to Nepal. The destruction is far reaching, and many of the areas that have been impacted are so very remote. We had to hike over hilly terrain to get a sense of the damage, and several of the areas we saw were totally flattened. It will take a great deal of time and resources for communities to recover. But the people I met also displayed amazing resilience as they were helping their neighbors heal and begin to recover.
While I am still incredibly saddened when I think of the lives lost, the homes and schools that have been destroyed, and the communities that have been forever altered – I am encouraged by the tremendous work of the global Red Cross network and our partners in the ongoing response operation. I am truly humbled by the strength and resiliency of the Nepalese people, and the compassionate support of donors like you.
With gratitude,
Gail McGovern, President and CEO American Red Cross |
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