Survivors of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal and neighboring countries were still picking up the pieces Sunday after the disaster that left more than 2,200 people dead. Those living in the Kathmandu area were also hit with major aftershock that registered an initial 6.7 magnitude.
World leaders and global charities offered emergency aid as hospitals in the poverty-stricken Himalayan nation were overflowing with injured people, NBC News reported. The United States is sending a disaster response team and $1 million to help the people of Nepal, The Associated Press reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey said that the estimated damage from the quake could cost between $100 million and $10 billion.
As the world continues to learn the scope of the disaster, here are ways you can donate:
WORLD VISION
The humanitarian aid group had staff on the ground when the earthquake hit. Members of the organization said survivors need food, water and shelter, spokeswoman Laura Blank told NBC News.
“Infrastructure is down all over the city,” World Vision’s operations director in Kathmandu Philip Ewert also said. “Power is out with limited internet access. Walls and water tanks are damaged. We are also getting reports that people are trapped in temples and other public buildings as there was a large festival here Saturday.”
To make a donation to the organization to address these needs, you can visit their Nepal page or text NEPAL to 777444 to donate $10.
RED CROSS
Volunteers and staff at the Nepal Red Cross Society are providing aid, but they have limited stocks of emergency relief items available in the country, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said in a statement.
"We are extremely concerned about the fate of communities in towns and villages in rural areas closer to the epicenter," said Jagan Chapagain, the IFRC's Director for Asia Pacific. “We anticipate that there will be considerable destruction and loss of life.”
For information on how to donate, visit the IFRC website.
GLOBALGIVING
The organization hopes to raise 1 million dollars and has created a Nepal-specific page outlining specific issues they hope to address with the funds.
“Initially, the fund will help first responders meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products, and shelter,” the organization said on its page. “Once initial relief work is complete, this fund will transition to support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted local organizations.”
GlobalGiving says it will provide updates about how the funds are being used. You can donate here.
AMERICARES
An emergency team from the AmeriCares India office is preparing shipments of medical aid and relief supplies for survivors. The organization stocks emergency medicine and relieft supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in time of crisis, and launches comprehensive recovery programs.
"Our emergency response team is en route to Nepal and we are prepared to help any way that we can," AmeriCares President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis said in a statement. "This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families suffereing."
To donate to AmeriCares International Disaster Relief Fund, you can click here.
UNICEF
UNICEF is currently on the ground in Nepal providing critical emergency aid to children and families.
"UNICEF expects children, an estimated 40 percent of Nepal's poplulation, to be among the worst affected by the earthquake. The first priorities are lifesaving interventions—getting essential medicines, nutrition, and safe water to children and families in immediate need," the organization's website said.
To support the UNICEF relief efforts in Nepal, you can donate here.
MERCY CORPS
Mercy Corps' team is on the ground in Nepal working to get a better understanding of the conditions. The team is focused on delivering lifesaving aid to hard-hit communities. Mercy Corps will be helping communities immediately start to rebuild homes, schools, help people return to work and process the trauma.
To support Mercy Corps' earthquake response team, you can donate here.
Photo Credit: AP
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