As Nepal suffers another deadly blow, with a second powerful earthquake hitting on Tuesday 12 April, many people are wondering how they can help those affected by the earthquake in Nepal.
RELATED READS: Nepal rocked by second earthquake Insurance information for BMC Travel Insurance policy holders
A second powerful earthquake has hit Nepal, just over a fortnight since the original tremor killed over 8,000 people and caused dramatic avalanches on Everest.
Nepal needs your help
This latest quake shows, more than ever, that Nepal needs your help. We’re organising a charity auction, with all proceeds going to help Nepal.
Sir Chris Bonington, Doug Scott CBE, Kenton Cool, Alan Hinkes OBE, Andy Cave and Rebecca Stephens MBE have already pledged unique memorabilia from their Everest expeditions.
And leading brands such as Mountain Equipment and Sherpa Adventure Gear are coming on board with plenty of stylish and special items.
“Our community has always held a deep affection and regard for Nepal and its wonderful inhabitants and many of you are personally acquainted with individuals who have been directly affected by the catastrophe.
"Please do everything you can to support the BMC Nepal Auction which is raising funds for established charities who work with mountain communities in Nepal. Adventurers, celebrities, sportspeople, businesses and the general public are providing experience pledges, memorabilia and items to auction.
"The major aid agencies provide immediate assistance but these smaller charities provide long-term assistance to a population which before the earthquakes was already the sixth poorest country in the world. Now, more than ever, Nepalese people need medical facilities, schools and rescue shelters.
"I am immensely proud to see so many of our members fundraising for charities that are providing emergency assistance and those which will provide long-term help to people who have lost their homes and income stream. As president of the BMC, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you all.”
Helping Kathmandu
We asked Mark Richardson of Sherpa Adventure Gear , which is made in Kathmandu, how people could help:
“The people in the Sherpa factory in Kathmandu are thankfully OK and our CEO Tashi Sherpa is on the ground in Kathmandu. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. We are looking at having a fundraiser in place over the next day or so #PrayForNepal.”
Jumping on a plane to Nepal to help might seem like a romantic notion. But, unless you're a highly-skilled relief worker, right now you'd just be an additional drain on resources, explains the Guardian in this good article .
So, right now, the larger aid agencies are best placed to help with the needs of Nepal. There will be many appeals doing the rounds on social media, but we’d suggest donating to established organisations that can make a real difference:
Oxfam Earthquake Appeal Red Cross Earthquake Appeal
Disasters Emergency Committee
Doctors without Borders
Kenton Cool, the British mountaineer who’s climbed Everest 11 times, agrees: "Nepal is one of most beautiful countries in the world, with fabulous warm-hearted and generous people. They are incredibly proud, but now need your help. Sherpa Adventure Gear who I work with have established a Sherpa Earthquake Relief fund.
Helping the mountain people
If you’d like to make a donation to help the mountain people in the longer term, who could be overlooked by the larger aid agencies, then we’d recommend Doug Scott’s Community Action Nepal (CAN) or the Himalayan Trust .
Community Action Nepal (CAN) is a UK-based charity whose aim is to help the mountain people of Nepal. Founded by Doug Scott CBE, who in 1975 made the first British ascent of Everest, CAN supports remote mountain communities with over 40 projects.
Many of the communities that CAN supports have been affected by the earthquake on 25 April and they have launched an appeal to help . All monies donated will be used to help rebuild and support CAN communities and projects.
Doug Scott said "The mountain people of Nepal are the most generous, kind and resilient I know. I would never have climbed Everest without their help. They now need our help."
Donate to the CAN Earthquake Appeal
The Himalayan Trust UK has been working since 1989 to help the mountain people of Nepal. The Trust has set up an Earthquake Disaster Fund .Donate to the Himalayan Trust Disaster Fund
Read more
Nepal rocked by second earthquake
Earthquake triggers avalanche on Everest:
Insurance information for BMC Travel Insurance policy holders
WATCH: CAN Earthquake Appeal
VIDEO
WATCH: the avalanche sweep through Everest base camp
VIDEO
For full terms and conditions see our Evidence of Cover
Europe by Train
Seat61
PLAN YOUR LOW-IMPACT TRAVELS: Find public transport routes across Europe
WATCH: BMC Travel Cover built for the mountains
VIDEO
« Back