Saturday’s 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal has caused widespread death and damage in the country that houses some of the world’s most precious Buddhist sites. News sites are reporting that the death toll has now risen above 3,000 and is expected to continue rising sharply.
Tricycle has heard directly from people living in Kathmandu that they are spending a third night outdoors in makeshift tents while powerful aftershocks continue to roil the country. There are reports of shortages of tents, food, water, and medical supplies.
How can you help?
Relief workers have told Tricycle that unless you live locally and can transport donated goods yourself, please send money, not items. They are also advising not to travel to Nepal right now to volunteer; unless you are a medical professional or engineer with a qualified aid organization, wait to fly over until the initial rescue period is over. Nonprofessional volunteer aid will be greatly needed when the news cycle moves on but Nepal and its people still require help.
Here is a list of qualified aid organizations with tried and true histories of disaster relief that are accepting donations for Nepal rescue work:
4. UNICEF UK
8. OXFAM GB
11. CARE
12. Mercy Corps
14. American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
If you are interested in donating money to a Buddhist organization, these Tibetan teachers and monasteries have posted news and requests for donations:
Shechen—Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
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