By: VOA News
Source: VOA News
MV Editor’s Note: In addition to the resources mentioned in this article. Many Islamic charities are also providing aid to the victims in Nepal. These include but are not limited to: Muslim Aid, Muslim Aid Australia, and Islamic Relief.
Countries and charities worldwide have begun a massive international aid operation in Nepal, where a powerful earthquake and numerous aftershocks have killed more than 2,400 people.
Saturday’s quake was most severely felt in the capital, as well as the densely populated Kathmandu Valley, but the entire country is feeling its effects.
Governments, including the United States, China, Germany and Israel, are sending medical and search-and-rescue teams, as well as providing food and medical supply aid.
For individuals, the best ways to donate are to focus on charities that already have a presence on the ground.
Charity Navigator, which offered a list of highly rated aid agencies that are assisting in relief efforts in Nepal on its website, and GuideStar are two companies that evaluate how charities spend the money they receive.
Charities taking part in relief efforts in Nepal include:
- Americares, which has sent an emergency response team to Nepal.
- CARE humanitarian aid groups are on the ground in Nepal, assessing needs, a statement on its website said.
- Doctors Without Borders is sending medical and relief teams to Nepal.
- Direct Relief is providing cash for the deployment of emergency medical response personnel and health items, according to its website.
- Save the Children is sending relief resources for children and their families.
- The Red Cross is working to provide first aid, search and rescue, and support to first responders in the region.
- The Seva Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit, known for treating blindness, that has a long-running presence in Nepal. It has set up an emergency relief fund,according to Charity Navigator.
- Oxfam, which already has workers are on the ground, is launcing a rapid response to ensure food and water reaches those in need.
- The American Jewish World Service, according to its website, provides disaster relief to the developing world.
- Catholic Relief Services is procuring emergency relief materials, such as tarpaulins/shelter kits and water, sanitation and hygiene materials.
- The fundraising website Crowdrise offers links to several major sites offering aid to Nepal quake victims.