Stamford-based AmeriCares is responding to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Nepal recently with emergency shipments from its India offices.
The quake and its aftershocks have caused buildings to collapse, killing thousands by early estimates, and setting off avalanches on Mount Everest that may have killed more than 18 climbers.
The quake struck about 50 miles from Kathmandu and could be felt as far away as New Delhi, India.
Hospitals are overflowing with patients and medical personnel are treating the injured in the streets, according to AmeriCares, which said the Nepali government has requested international assistance.
An emergency response team from the AmeriCares India office in Mumbai is headed to the impact zone, and relief workers are preparing shipments of medical aid and relief supplies for survivors, AmeriCares reported in a statement.
AmeriCares stocks emergency medicine and relief supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis.
“Our emergency response team is en route to Nepal and we are prepared to help any way that we can,” said AmeriCares President/CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. “This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families suffering.”
To donate to AmeriCares International Disaster Relief Fund, go to americares.org/nepalearthquake.
