Mennonite Central Committee appeals for the support of Canadians to respond to the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on Apr. 25, 2015. MCC has long-term local partners in the region and is coordinating with partners and local staff to determine the most effective response to this disaster.
At this time, the focus of the response is on emergency food assistance and shelter needs in remote areas.
MCC has had an active presence in Nepal since the 1950s, and currently works with eight local partner organizations in 12 districts, in the areas of disaster response and preparedness, agriculture, nutrition, livelihoods development, education, health and peacebuilding.
EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE:
MCC has been in touch with numerous partners who are planning a response and assessing local needs. At this time, the focus of the response is on emergency food assistance and shelter needs in remote areas. Current districts where MCC is anticipating a response include Dhading, Lalitpur, and Okhaldunga. In one district, MCC’s partner is reporting that up to 80 percent of shelters have been severely damaged. Logistical challenges remain a key obstacle as electrical and telecommunications networks are intermittently operational.
MCC’s WORK IN NEPAL:
MCC has had an active presence in Nepal since the 1950s, working initially through United Mission to Nepal. In 2009, MCC became an officially registered international NGO with the Nepali Government.
MCC Nepal is currently working with eight local partner organizations in 12 districts in Nepal, primarily in the areas of disaster response and preparedness, agriculture, nutrition, livelihoods development, education, health, and peacebuilding.
MCC works primarily with vulnerable households in in rural areas of the country. Many families are made up of migrant labourers and female-headed households.
Donations can be made by visiting http://mcccanada.ca/nepal-earthquake.
—Mennonite Central Committee release
