This is our first post focused on Nepal in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake. This post focuses on the immediate post-earthquake needs: surveying the damage, providing medical care and urgently needed supplies, food and water.

Updated: May 27, 2015

May 27: Medical clinic in Dharmasthali village

From Narayan: We successfully conducted a health camp at Dharmasthali village, south of Kathmandu valley, where we examined or checked 180 people and provided free medical sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mosquito coils, glucose powder etc.

The clinic was supported by Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan.

Updated: May 20, 2015

May 20: Distributing supplies in the village of Halle Kalika, Khani village, Nuwakot

Today Narayan and the Journeys Nepal team made their way to the village of Halle Kalika, Khani village, Nuwakot. Narayan reported that neither the government nor any relief organizations had been to this village yet, so they have been surviving on their own since the earthquake. He said, “What is most important to villagers now is tarpaulins and mattresses. Our relief team felt so happy to give something to the villagers. People were so relieved to see us arrive (after a two-hour bumpy and scary drive). One 85-year-old woman even invited me back to her grandson’s wedding next year, which was postponed due to the earthquake.”

Updated: May 18, 2015

Journeys Nepal and Narayan made their way to the village of Malung, Tokha (northern part of Kathmandu valley) today and delivered mattresses, mosquito nets, buckets, jugs, and dustbins. Narayan also brought dolls for the children, which were donated by his daughter Rechal.

Updated: May 10, 2015

May 10: Mattresses for villagers in the Sindhupalchowk district.

Today Narayan went to the Sindhupalchowk district the area most affected by the earthquake and where more people were killed then in any other district of Nepal. It’s a small Sherpa village that has received no help from the government or NGOs at this point. All 60 houses plus the monastery and other religious buildings were destroyed. Journeys Nepal distributed tarpaulin, mattresses and some solar panels to the villagers of Lagarche, Okrane and Mulkharka, Sindhupalchok district. From Narayan: “We are so grateful and happy to be here and to supply some donation to this remote area. Thank you very much to Journeys International and all of my friends who are helping and supporting me. I really appreciated your kind help.”

Updated: May 8, 2015

Today Journeys Nepal MD Aanchi Sherpa distributed tents and mattress to the people of Langtang Valley.

We also got some more updates on the Journeys Nepal team: In Thame, our dear friend Pemba’s hometown, most of the houses were destroyed, as was the school and monastery. Pemba’s wife, Anchi, and brother-in-law, Anu, are fortunately safe. We also learned that our long-time guide Balaram’s house was completely destroyed and six of his animals were killed in the earthquake.

Updated: May 7, 2015

May 7: Journeys Nepal delivers drinking water to the village of Nakhhu Lalitpur.

Most of the places in the Patan and Lalitpur areas have not had water since the earthquake because of damaged pipelines. The government said it will take weeks to repair it, so villagers are left without drinking water. Today, Narayan and Journeys Nepal distributed drinking water to villagers in Nakhhu Lalitpur. See photos in the photo gallery on this blog.

Updated: May 5, 2015

May 5: Racing to her grandmother to give her a mattress.

Journeys continues to be in touch with our lead guide Narayan, who is learning which areas of Nepal were the hardest hit and in need of the most urgent support. Today he used the funds provided by Journeys travelers, purchased supplies, rented a truck, and gathered some relatives to help, then set off to deliver mattresses, blankets, food and water to a small village that was hit hard by the earthquake.

Narayan messaged the Journeys office today and shared this message for everybody who has contributed to his relief efforts: I cry when I see these places, where houses are gone and families are dead. But I am so happy because of the Journeys family, I am able to help some victims. Wherever I go to help it gives me peace. My family is helping me, and my wife and daughter are encouraging me to continue this relief work.

We also learned more about the fate of the Journeys Nepal team today from Narayan: Everyone from Journeys Nepal has cracks in their houses. But everyone is safe and already back in their homes (except our driver, whose house was destroyed.)

Updated: April 30, 2015

April 30: Health camp set up by Journeys Nepal and partners

Today our lead Journeys Nepal guide Narayan Kuman Shrestha used some of the funds you have generously given to the Earth Preservation Fund to purchase and distribute food and blankets to people affected by the earthquake, as well as to set up a health camp and provide medical services to people injured in the devastation. Your donations are already making a difference!

Updated: April 29, 2015

Narayan surveying the damage.

Many thanks to those of you who have donated to the Earth Preservation Fund’s Nepal Earthquake Relief Campaign. Journeys is in regular communication with Narayan Kumar Shrestha, our lead guide in Kathmandu and nearby areas, as well as our main contact at the Journeys office in Nepal. The first round of funds is going to Narayan, and he is buying blankets, clothing, tents, medicine and water for the people of the Khokana village, where most of the houses and historical monuments were destroyed. This immediate relief is critical since so many relief agencies are having difficulties getting into the areas that need help the most

Original post: April 27, 2015

Dear Friends,

The earthquake on Saturday shattered our kindred Nepal. Hearing the news; grasping for details about villages beyond Kathmandu or Everest Base Camp; wanting to DO something… it leaves us feeling powerless against the mighty Himalayas. It feels personal this time, even as we stand so far away.

Many of you have traveled there. Many of you also recognize the streets on CNN. And many of you have contacted Journeys to ask about friends you met in Nepal — and to offer your help.

Here’s what you should know:

  1. Everybody in the Journeys Nepal family is safe. Some have evacuated their homes, but all have shelter.
  2. Our team is sharing Journeys International camping supplies to help provide aid to others.
  3. The Earth Preservation Fund (EPF), the nonprofit arm of Journeys International, is continually assessing evolving needs to determine the best recipients of funds to benefit the largest number of people.
  4. You can donate through the EPF. Journeys International covers all of EPF’s overhead and admin fees, so 100% of your donation will go directly to relief projects.
  5. No amount is too small! Seriously. $5 goes a long way.
  6. We will continue to update this blog post on local developments, how we are distributing the funds, news sources we find reliable, and any other information we are able to gather from our on-the-ground partners. This blog post is also accessible from our homepage, and updates will be shared on Facebook and Twitter. Share your comments, and join the conversation.

We are grateful to stand alongside you in a global community. I know your care means a lot to the Journeys Nepal family, too.

Yours,

Robin Weber Pollak

President