Support for Nepal

Posted Apr 29, 2015 in News

 

More than 5,000 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the recent earthquake in Nepal and its aftershocks. Sushil Koirala, the Prime Minister of Nepal, has suggested that this number could double. The resulting grief, structural damage and chaos have affected an estimated 8.1 million people, according to UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund). Homes and schools have been destroyed, and many villages in remote areas have been difficult to access.

UnitingWorld has been quick to offer resources and support to this crisis through their connections with the ACT Alliance, which is made up of over 140 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). This allows the Uniting Church to support people in earthquake-affected areas despite the fact that UnitingWorld does not currently have any official partners working long-term in Nepal. Through the Act Alliance, UnitingWorld has been able to send resources to immediately assist with the provision of water, shelter, search and rescue, and medical care.

Uniting Church members were exceptionally generous in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. UnitingWorld is calling on this generosity again, asking for people to donate to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal through their Emergency Relief Contingency Fund.

“Through the ACT Alliance and our Emergency Fund, we’re always ready to support people in times of disaster,” says Rob Floyd, National Director of UnitingWorld.

“We’re very grateful for the ongoing generosity of Uniting Church people, who not only have a heart to respond quickly in tragedy but to put in place programs that help people recover and manage risks long-term.”

As well as providing support monetarily, Uniting Church members are encouraged to offer prayer for the many people who have been affected by the earthquake.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Nepal in the wake of the devastation caused by the earthquake,” says Dr Deidre Palmer, Uniting Church SA Moderator. “We pray for all those whose loved ones have died or are missing. We pray for all those people involved in the disaster response and encourage Uniting Church members to support those international aid agencies that are involved in this response.”

Uniting Church in Australia Assembly President Rev Prof Andrew Dutney has also voiced his sorrow over the situation and grief for those who have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones.

“We mourn for the more than 4,000 people who have lost their lives as a result of the recent earthquake and offer our prayers and support for those involved in rescue operations, providing food, water and shelter for people in need and for the people of Nepal as they grieve the loss of loved ones and seek to rebuild shattered lives and communities,” Andrew said on Wednesday.

“I encourage the people of the UCA to give generously for the relief and rebuilding of this country and her people.”

For regular updates from UnitingWorld’s partners through the ACT Alliance, please check the UnitingWorld and ACT Alliance Facebook pages.

Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia, is also a member of the ACT Alliance. Updates on what they are doing can be seen on the Act for Peace Facebook page.

 

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