A 7.9 magnitude earthquake has devastated much of Nepal, leaving thousands dead, injured, and missing.

Search and rescue teams have yet to reach remote and rural regions and with strong aftershocks still shaking the country, more destruction is anticipated, with a likely increase in the death toll.

The need in Nepal is strong and very urgent: 

• The ADRA Nepal office and staff escaped harm allowing them to immediately begin the relief efforts.
• The death toll is more than 4,000 and rising quickly.
• More than 7,000 people are reported injured with hospitals struggling to meet the need.
• 35 of the 75 districts within Nepal have been affected with damage and casualties also reported in neighboring countries.
• Reports indicate up to70% of homes and villages are damaged or destroyed in nearby rural areas.
• Thousands are sleeping outside in freezing temperatures either because their homes have been destroyed or they fear falling debris from ongoing aftershocks.

ADRA Nepal is already responding with plastic sheeting for temporary shelter, and relief supplies from the ADRA network are already en route. An additional ten ADRA Emergency Response Team members from several countries are on their way to Nepal to assist the local office with coordination and continued relief efforts.

The current response is focusing on shelter while looking ahead to additional assistance in food, water, and health care to prevent the spread of disease in the wake of the disaster.