Tragedy in Nepal

Like the rest of the world, I have watched in horror as the news reports have come in detailing the devastating earthquake and avalanche that happened last week. Nepal is one of the world’s poorest countries and its economy is largely based on tourism. This is a great place to go for adventure travelers like me. I fell in love with this Himalayan nation. The people are warm and friendly and it is a remote and spectacular place filled with ancient temples, villages, wonderful wildlife, and one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world. It will be a monumental task to rebuild what can even be rebuilt. Sadly, some villages and structures are lost forever. I have made a donation towards the relief and restoration efforts and I encourage everyone to give what they can, as well. There are several organizations involved but I have listed three that I know have high Charity Navigator ratings and are already on the ground taking action.

1. Direct Relief is a highly regarded U.S.-based organization which delivers critically-needed medical supplies to crisis zones around the world. Already, Direct Relief is delivering more than 300,000 pounds of critically needed medical supplies to Nepal, with expedited delivery to treatment facilities in Kathmandu and nearby villages.

2. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which already has teams on the ground in Nepal. While MSF does not allow donations to be earmarked for a particular country or crisis, much of your contribution will surely be used to help in treating the thousands of injured victims of the Nepal earthquake.
3. American Red Cross has been working in Nepal since 2009 on disaster readiness. In times of need they provide meals, shelter, medical supplies, and other relief.