Monday 27 April 2015
Following the devastating impact of the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday 25 April 2015, the Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission has agreed to make an initial donation of £40,000 to an appeal launched by the UK Disasters Emergency Committee (the DEC) to provide urgently needed emergency disaster relief to the people of Nepal.
The earthquake has affected large parts of Nepal, including toppling office blocks and towers in Kathmandu and triggering a deadly avalanche that hit Everest base camp. By Sunday afternoon over 2,200 people had been reported dead, making it the worst earthquake in the country in more than 80 years. In addition, at least 2,000 people have been injured.
The country's hospitals are overwhelmed, with many patients being treated in the streets. Whilst rescue efforts are still underway it is feared that the death toll will rise further as rescuers dig through the rubble. Significant aftershocks continue including one of 6.7 on Sunday.
The DEC will work with their member charities that have an established presence in the areas of Nepal affected by the earthquake to ensure that the emergency relief and aid needed reaches the communities as soon as possible to address the following priorities as quickly as possible:
- Rescuing those trapped in buildings toppled by the impact of the massive earthquake and those caught up in the avalanches it triggered;
- Treating those injured by the earthquake and avalanches; and
- Providing shelter, clean water, sanitation and food for those whose homes have been lost or severely damaged.
Deputy Mike O'Hara said,
"In reaching the decision to make this donation, the Commissioners were very conscious that since news of this earthquake broke on Saturday morning every news report has seen the number of people killed and injured rise steadily. We are very aware that many of the communities most affected by the earthquake and associated avalanches are remote and difficult to reach under normal conditions and so the true impact of this disaster is unlikely to be known for some time.
The Commissioners are also mindful that Nepal is a poor country, reliant on development aid for many of the services (water, sanitation, education and health care) that we take for granted. Through the Commission's Grant Aid scheme, the people of Guernsey are currently supporting ten development projects in Nepal and this further underlines the devastating impact such a massive earthquake has on an already impoverished country."
The Commission will continue to keep the unfolding situation in Nepal under close review and will consider making a further donation as the full impact of this massive earthquake becomes clearer.
-ENDS-
Further information
Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission Disaster Emergency Relief
The Commission receives an annual budget of £200,000 from the States of Guernsey towards Disaster Emergency Relief.
The Commission's general policy in respect of Emergency Disaster Relief awards is to support appeals launched by the DEC following a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis.
Bailiff's Appeal
Sir Richard Collas is also launching an appeal through the Bailiff's Disaster Fund and invites Islanders wish to contribute to the DEC appeal to make their contributions via his appeal.
Donations to the Bailiff's Appeal can be made as follows:
By bank transfer:
Nat West Bank, Guernsey
Sort Code 60-09-20
Account Number 74070487
In person at the bank counter:
Any branch of NatWest in the Bailiwick for the account of Bailiff's Disaster Relief Fund, number 74070487
By post:
Cheques may be made payable to Bailiff's Disaster Relief Fund and sent to The Bailiff's Chambers, Royal Court House, St. Peter Port, GY1 2NZ
The DEC has kindly agreed to provide details of any donations made via its online and text facilities using a GY postcode so that these donations can also be recognised as coming from Bailiwick residents.
DEC Nepal Earthquake Appeal
The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an appeal for people affected by the Nepal massive earthquake of 7.8 magnitude which struck in Nepal on Saturday 25th April 2015.
All major broadcasters will be carrying the DEC appeal including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.
The DEC brings 13 leading UK aid charities together in times of crisis: ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan UK, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision; all collectively raising money to reach those in need quickly.
Donations are already being accepted via the DEC website and 24 hour donations line.
