A temporary tent city has sprung up in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, following a massive earthquake with seventy some major aftershocks on Saturday. The tent city is a shelter for those whose houses were destroyed by the 7.9 magnitude earthquake.

Ten thousand shelters and three thousand blankets financed by American charity CRS (Catholic Relief Services) have yet to arrive from Dubai, and many people are still sleeping on the streets. In response Caritas Nepal give survivors food, tents, and tarpaulins which are available on the spot.  These supplies will help,especially at night with temperatures falling to 11-15°C. The rain makes the situation more difficult. Three days after the disaster the city is still in recovery.

According to the latest news, the death toll has climbed above four thousand with six thousand  injured. Other areas in Nepal have also been affected, such as Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Raswa, Kavre, Dolakha, Gorkha, Ramechap, Nuwarkot, Sindupalchok, Dhading, Makawanpur, and Sindhuli.

Rescue is the main priority – there is still hope that people are alive in the debris. However, taking care of the survivors is urgent as well.

The survivors are not just traumatised by the loss of their homes and loved ones but also by the severe weather and insufficient hygienic conditions, power outages or telephone connection failure. Because the power is still out, people are depending on candles and mathces for light. Patients who have been evacuated from the hospital are treated out in the street. We have to pay special attention to children, women, elderly, and chronically ill people, especially those who take medicine regularly. Many people who witnessed the earthquake need also psychological care – it has been the worst disaster in the last eighty years.

Caritas Australia Programmes Coordinator, Eleanor Trinchera, reports from the spot:

„ I have never seen such devastation. While the streets are teeming with activity and chaos as the people are trying to find their loved ones, the city is paralysed with destroyed buildings, blocked roads, power cuts and recurring aftershocks.“

Staff from Caritas Nepal, Caritas India, Caritas Bangladesh, Caritas Pakistan, Caritas Japan, Caritas France and others are in Kathmandu to assist the rescue workers, doctors, and volunteers.

Caritas Czech Republic has organised a public fundraiser. Please donate to bank account 55660022/0800 in Česká spořitelna (variable symbol 107) or by text message: DMS CHARITA SVET at #87 777. (You will be charged for the text 30 CZK. Caritas ČR receives 20,50 CZK, the service is run by Forum of donors.)

Donors have given 730 475,3 CZK to a charity account as of Tuesday afternoon the 28th April, 2015.