Thank you for your prayers for the people of Nepal and for your concern in the face of the devastating flooding that has occurred just west of the Kathmandu Valley. Like many of you, I have been watching the news with a heavy heart and praying for the families whose lives have been devastated.
I am still in the USA, concluding my itineration visits and spending some time with my family in Santa Rosa, California. I am closely following security reports and response plans from my colleagues at the United Mission to Nepal as we consider how to be involved in both the immediate response and the longer-term recovery effort.
The videos and images coming from the affected areas are heartbreaking, and the growing lists of those who have died or remain missing are a source of immense grief and anxiety. As of this morning, Ram Nath, UMN’s Disaster Response Coordinator, reported to staff via WhatsApp that the official death toll has reached 359, with 910 people still unaccounted for. Please continue to hold affected families in your prayers, including both Nepali communities and tourists who were in the area. The Government of Nepal has deployed more than 9,000 personnel to the search effort, and more than 440 people have been rescued by helicopter or ground transportation.
Given the scale of the disaster, widespread mobilization and coordination efforts are underway to reach affected families across multiple locations. UMN is joining the rapid response effort for more than 1,000 affected families in three to four municipalities in Dhading District through a partnership with CIRDS, the same organization with which we worked during the 2015 earthquake relief response.
Our longer-term plan is to support school recovery efforts in the Nuwakot region. More details will emerge as assessments are completed and response priorities become clearer. Several members of our Kathmandu-based staff have already traveled to the region to support assessments and on-the-ground coordination.
If you feel led to support these relief and recovery efforts financially, the following options are available:
• You may give to UMN through The Advance (3023568) via your local United Methodist Church or online
• UMN also has an appeal for support with giving options through PayPal or TrustBridges at https://www.umn.org.np/nepalflood26.
Even in the midst of tragedy, we are encouraged by the rapid mobilization of local communities, churches, and partner organizations working together to bring relief and hope. Your prayers, encouragement, and support are deeply appreciated as Nepal begins the difficult work of recovery.
Grace and peace,
Katherine Parker
Serving with the United Mission to Nepal