Gary C.K. Huang
President, 2014-15
T +1.847.866.3467
F +1.847.866.3390
gary.huang@rotary.org

Dear Rotarian,
 
We express our profound sadness and extend our sympathies to all those affected by the devastation resulting from the 25 April deadly earthquake in Nepal. Rescue missions and emergency aid continue to arrive in Nepal for the 8 million people impacted by the massive 7.8 magnitude quake.
 
As we mourn the thousands of lost lives, Rotary joins many international agencies in providing immediate relief to survivors and mobilizing our expertise to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
 
How to help: 
  • District 3292, Nepal, has established a disaster relief fund to provide needed equipment and supplies to affected communities. Contact District Governor Kumar Piya for information about contributing to the fund.
  • Rotary’s service partner ShelterBox is working closely with Nepali Rotarians to coordinate immediate relief efforts. On Monday, 27 April, and Wednesday, 29 April, Rotarians greeted ShelterBox response teams in Nepal who will mobilize temporary housing and relief efforts. An initial 1,000 housing tents and 1,000 shelter kits will be distributed throughout affected communities. Two more ShelterBox relief teams and additional kits are ready to be deployed once further assessments are complete. Learn more about supporting ShelterBox’s relief efforts.
  • As with all disasters, the Rotary family may apply for global grants to support long-term recovery efforts in Nepal. Once immediate health, safety, and relief efforts have been addressed, work with local Nepali Rotary members and their international partners to develop projects within Rotary’s six areas of focus.
Monitor the announcements section of My Rotary for more information as it becomes available and do not hesitate to contact relief@rotary.org with any questions.
 
Our thoughts are with our Nepali neighbors during this difficult time. Thank you for continuing to Light Up Rotary through your compassion and generosity.
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
Gary C.K. Huang
President, Rotary International 2014-15
 

 
 
Dear District 5240 Rotarians,
 
By now, you all know about the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal this past Saturday.  More than 3,800 people are confirmed dead and that total is expected to rise. Thousands more are injured and/or displaced because their homes have been destroyed. The isolated region and damage to the roads and infrastructure are making it extremely difficult for aid supplies to get through, although headway is being made.  Many relief organizations are already providing immediate aid to the affected area; however both short and long term assistance will be needed. Rotary International President Gary Huang issued a statement today expressing Rotary’s commitment to help provide short term disaster aid and long-term recovery and rebuilding assistance to Nepal. As you may know, Rotary has a partnership with ShelterBox, a non-profit disaster relief organization that provides ruggedized containers with portable shelters, water filters, and other necessary emergency supplies. RI President Huang is requesting Rotarians or Clubs who wish to support the emergency relief efforts in Nepal consider making a donation to ShelterBox. More information can be found at www.shelterboxusa.org and donations may be made online.
 
Other relief organizations currently assisting in Nepal include Unicef, International Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, and Direct Relief International (among many that are involved). Donations may also be made to these organizations for Nepal relief.
 
We will continue to update you should Rotary International or The Rotary Foundation take additional action, such as setting up a Donor Advised Fund for long-term rebuilding projects. This has not yet occurred yet. Please continue checking the District 5240 website for updates at www.rotarydistrict5240.org .
 
Thank you,
 
Deborah Linden, Chair
Rotary District 5240
Disaster Response and Preparedness Team
 

 
 
Good afternoon DG Loretta,
 
As a Rotarian myself, it was hard to watch the news when a massive 7.8 earthquake struck in Nepal.  My college roommate is from Katmandu and one of the first things I did was reach out to ensure his family’s safety.  While so many watch with horror of the devastation, we can find solace that Rotary will be there, both now in the immediate aftermath and for years to come to help families affected by this tragedy.  I wanted to share a bit about ShelterBox’s efforts.  As a Rotary International Project Partner, we take pride in assisting Rotarians to play a part in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
 
Here’s what we know:
 
Key points:
  • The largest tremor was 7.8 and 15km deep.
  • Since then, several aftershocks have taken place, ranging from 5 to 6.7 in magnitude.
  • More than 3,600 people are reported to have died and an estimated 6,500 have sustained injury following the earthquake.
  • The quake occurred between the major cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, with tremors felt as far away as Delhi in India.
  • Current conditions are reported to be quiet with very little electricity or lighting.
  • There is widespread fear as tremors occurred again on Monday and further seismic activity is expected.
  • Worse conditions are expected in the surrounding rural areas as an estimated 70% of all structures have been destroyed.
  • Weather conditions will soon compound the situation with incoming rain, thunderstorms and snow in high altitudes.
 
Our Response:
  • We are working closely with Rotary on the ground as we’ve deployed there quite often.
  • A ShelterBox response team is on the ground in Nepal gathering a first-hand idea of the scale of destruction and the level of need for shelter.
  • As well as the level of need, the team will look at the most appropriate types of aid in different areas.
  • We already have aid, including tents, prepositioned in the country, which could be used as emergency clinics, as well as shelters in the immediate aftermath.
  • ShelterBox has responded to several disasters in Nepal throughout the years. Most recently ShelterBox provided aid to people who had lost their homes in the north of the country due to flooding and landslides last autumn.
  
HOW YOU CAN HELP
 
Inform your clubs & Rotarians
One of the easiest ways to make an impact is to share ShelterBox as a meaningful way for Rotarians in the district to contribute. 
 
Create a matching program
Several districts have reached out regarding their plans to create a matching program. District 7890 has just completed theirs at their district conference. 
 
Inspire action at your district conference
A simple mention of the effort and a suggestion for a passing of the hat can make a huge impact as well.
 
Spread the word from home
Social media is an extremely effective method for sharing the message to your networks.
 
We are still in the early days of the disaster.  Because we are currently assessing the best way to respond and the most appropriate aid for the earthquake in Nepal, we cannot accept donations restricted to Nepal.  Your support will help us provide emergency aid to families affected by the earthquake in Nepal as well as survivors affected by disaster across the world in all of our ongoing disaster responses.
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
 
Alan Monroe
ShelterBox USA | Interim Executive Director
p: 941-907-6036 x107 | f:  941-907-6970 | c: 941-539-2819
e: amonroe@shelterboxusa.org | twitter & skype: AlanSBUSA
 
Mailing Address:
8374 Market St. #203 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Physical Address:
7359 Merchant Court | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

Providing shelter, warmth and dignity to disaster survivors worldwide.
 

 
 
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