Clark Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund

On April 25, 2015 a devastating 7.8 Richter scale earthquake hit Nepal. The following days saw more than 90 aftershocks with two 6.5 and 6.7 Richter scale tremors that were as impactful as large earthquakes. With the epicenter in Lamjung district, the earthquake has devastated the center of the capital city, Kathmandu as well as rural areas across the region. The death toll has already reached 5,000 people and is expected to exceed 10,000 once recovery reaches those unaccounted for under the rubble. More than 10,000 people have been injured and the number continues to increase as relief begins to reach the most rural parts of the country.

According to UN estimations, more than 8 million people in 39 districts have been severely affected. This means that more than a quarter of the entire nation is dead, homeless, hurt, without a family member, or left with damaged property.

While aid has poured into Nepal from countries and international organizations, areas outside of the capital city, are left with zero to minimal support. We, students of Clark University, Massachusetts, are collaborating with the Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor William Fisher, and reputed International Development Professor, Dr. Jude Fernando, who has done immense relief work in Haiti after the tragic earthquake of 2010.

 You can find their profiles here:

Dr. Fisher: http://www.clarku.edu/faculty/facultybio.cfm?id=11

Dr. Fernando: http://www.clarku.edu/faculty/facultybio.cfm?id=473

Under their guidance, we are strategizing on the most effective strategy for short-term relief and long-term sustainable efforts.  While the help of big organizations will be necessary for relief work in Nepal, we aim to reach out to the poor in remote areas in order to help them take a step towards long-term recovery.

With your kind support, this global fund will go towards short-term relief and long-term sustainable programs geared towards rural areas in Nepal. Funds will be collected in an offical Clark University Account called "Nepal Relief Fund."

I, Wabun Nembag, am a Nepali Graduate student at Clark University and one of the many coordinators putting this project together. 

Our current efforts that are already taking place:

1.     A Candlelight Vigil and fundraising event

2.     Community wide Non-Perishable foods, blanket, and band-aid drive.