It’s almost three weeks since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, turning whole neighbourhoods into rubble and killing and severely injuring thousands.
It has been described as the worst earthquake to hit the volatile geological region in over 80 years and has wrought havoc to the civilian infrastructure in towns and villages as well as the historic capital city of Kathmandu.
The relief effort from the international community has been commendable, but due to the large number of victims and the numerous requirements it has been a logistical challenge for airport and cargo authorities to get all the aid to where it needs to go.
Local South African non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Al-Imdaad Foundation has been part of the relief effort since the earliest days, after the Bangladeshi government facilitated entry for a response team from the Al-Imdaad Foundation’s Bangladesh office.
Headed by Doctor Mahmoodul-Hassan, this first team was able to assist with the initial search and rescue effort as well as the medical needs of the affected population.An assessment of the situation was also conducted to ensure that the specific needs of the population were directly addressed.
The Al-Imdaad Foundation has conducted a number of interventions in partnership with other international NGOs such as the iHH of Turkey as well as in co-ordination with our Nepalese partner Mufti Farook Nepali.
A further delegation with representatives from our South African and United Kingdom branches has also arrived in the country and has been able to access villages cut off in the badly affect Gorkha and Godawari districts.
A small village in the Gorkha district was the sight of the earthquake’s epicentre and the Al-Imdaad Foundation’s Qari Ziyad Patel described the shocking extent of damage and injuries among the local population.
Given the displacement of the people and the loss of homes and property, daily essentials such as food, clean water, shelter and sanitation are still of primary importance and the Al-Imdaad Foundation’s response has been tailored to address these.”
The Al-Imdad Foundation will also continue to monitor the situation to see how best to respond to the medium to long term needs of the victims.To support the Al-Imdaad Foundation’s efforts or for more information please call 0861 786 243 or visit www.alimdaad.com
