Crisis in Nepal

Nepal was struck by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in April, leaving millions homeless.  These people then had to struggle with the nearly non-stop monsoon rains and ensuing mudslides, while still living in tents.  The rains have subsided, but the struggle continues.  In late September, Nepal's deliveries of supplies, food, medicine, gas (petrol), and fuel for cooking have been cut off due to protests about the new constitution. People have been forced to cut down protected forests, as that is the only fuel available.  Now winter is coming, and people are still living in tents, lacking warm clothes and fuel to stay warm.

In Nepal, no petrol also means little or no electricity, as 100% of Nepalese have no access to reliable electricity. . . . (click below to read more)

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The 40% that have access to grid electricity only get 6-8 hours a day of power; most rely on gas-powered generators. The last time we were in Nepal, Katrina saw a little girl doing her homework in the same room as a gas-powered generator. The fumes were unbearable for Katrina, but they were dangerous for the girl's health and development. Luckily, there are many organizations working on viable solar options, such as Empower Generation, Gravity Light, and Luci lights.

​We are asking for donations of warm clothing and jackets, solar-powered lighting, and laptops for schools. These will go to Gorkha, one of the most earthquake-effected regions. Tadashi and I are traveling to Nepal for the winter break, and will hand-deliver the supplies to KarmaFlights.org, a non-profit, grass roots organization that has been working diligently to bring supplies and medical help to this struggling region. They specifically requested these items as being most needed. If you have a laptop that needs some work, please let us know; we may be willing to pay the repair costs if you are willing to donate it.

You can read about the border issue at Aljazeera, CNN, New York Times, and BBC. Luckily, Nepal has recently reached a deal with China to import fuel, but it will take a long time to get back to (post-earthquake) normal. It will take even longer to get back to pre-earthquake normal.

Everyone that donates supplies will receive a small token of our appreciation from Nepal.

There are many organizations that are still helping rebuild, such as Room to Read, Heifer International, Doctor's Without Borders, Oxfam, and UNICEF.  Anything you can do to help is appreciated, including spreading the word.

Use the contact form below if you have questions, or want to know where to send donation.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Katrina & Tadashi