EC&E staff leading appeal for donations to Nepal’s earthquake victims

Nepal reeling from 7.3-magnitude quake today

Still recovering from a deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit on April 25, Nepal was rocked by another 7.3-magnitude quake today, adding to the widespread destruction across the country. The death toll has now risen to over 8,000 as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Eight million people, or more than a quarter of the population, were affected by the massive quake and numerous aftershocks. Many buildings, ancient temples and infrastructure have turned to rubble. Living conditions have worsened as a result of bad weather. Entire villages have been destroyed and people with homes still in good condition are afraid to go back and have spent nights outdoors. The first quake caused an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed and injured dozens of climbers.

The country is facing a huge scarcity of food, water and electricity. The Nepalese government has pleaded for the international aid, which is arriving from many countries including Canada, United States, China and India. Still, there is an immediate need for food, shelter, clothing and medical supplies. International aid is reaching Nepal, but will be required for a long time as the impoverished nation tries to recover.

The Canadian Red Cross is providing assistance and appealing to all Canadians to send what they can to help the effort. Financial donations to the relief effort in Nepal can be made online via the Canadian Red Cross to the Nepal Region Earthquake Fund. So, please assist in any way you can.

To make a donation by cheque or cash, please send your donation made payable to The Canadian Red Cross directly to the National Office to: 
Canadian Red Cross
170 Metcalfe St.
Ottawa ON
K2P 1P3

Please earmark your donation for the Nepal Region Earthquake Fund to ensure that your donation is directed accordingly. Include a return address so the Red Cross can send you a tax recepit. The Red Cross says that all eligible donations made by May 25, 2015 will be matched by the Government of Canada.

For questions about how you can help, please contact Acting Engineering Design Director Predrag Petrovic at 416-393-3568 or Design Engineer-Structural Sumesh Rajkarnikar at 416-393-2923.