OTTAWA, April 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The member agencies of the Humanitarian Coalition (CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan Canada, and Save the Children Canada) are on the ground in Nepal, assisting survivors of last weekend's earthquake. With the number of casualties passing the 5000 mark and UN estimates of eight million people being affected, the task is daunting. But years of experience in the region and solid partnerships with local organizations mean that our agencies are already having a tangible impact.
They are assessing the needs of thousands of people affected by the disaster and providing a wide range of emergency items and services, such as shelters, blankets, clean water and sanitation supplies, water storage units, food, medical aid, baby kits, and other essentials. Because children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable in the aftermath of natural disasters, special attention is given to their nutrition needs and to protection measures.
The large-scale devastation has wreaked havoc with roads and infrastructure, and the Kathmandu airport is struggling with much heavier traffic than it is designed to handle. But despite immense logistical and communication challenges, work continues day and night to reach people in remote areas.
Together, the member agencies of the Humanitarian Coalition are responding and committed to helping the people of Nepal through the relief and recovery phases.
Canadians who want to contribute to relief efforts can go to www.together.ca
The Humanitarian Coalition is Canada's only joint appeal mechanism for international disasters and emergencies. It is made up of five leading humanitarian agencies: CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan Canada, and Save the Children Canada. Collectively, they are present in 120 countries. Together, saving more lives. www.together.ca
SOURCE Humanitarian Coalition
For interviews, please contact: Humanitarian Coalition: Marie-Jo Proulx. 613-884-3323, [email protected] ; CARE Canada: Darcy Knoll, 613-790-2134, [email protected] ; Oxfam Canada: Melanie Gallant, 613-240-3047, [email protected] ; Oxfam-Québec: Justine Lesage, 514-513-0013, [email protected] ; Plan Canada: Dena Allen, 416-723-6340, [email protected] ; Save the Children: Kirsten Walkom, 647-631-3862, [email protected]
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