MEDIA RELEASE – IRISH RED CROSS

IRISH RED CROSS TRANSFERS €50K AS CASH IDENTIFIED AS MAIN NEED IN NEPAL

Donate at http://www.redcross.ie/news/appeals/nepal-quake-appeal/

or by phoning 1850 507070

27.04.2015

Red Cross relief workers on the ground in Nepal are calling for cash support for their humanitarian work as

sources of supplies have been identified.

The Irish Red Cross has responded by pledging €50,000 immediately to assist in the relief effort following the

weekend earthquake and its aftershocks.

John Roche, Irish Red Cross Head of International who is a former Red Cross Head of Disaster Management

in the region said “a local plan had been prepared some time ago and emergency stocks of relief goods are

in place. From previous experiences we have learnt that an influx of goods from abroad can create logistical

difficulties.

“Rain is predicted for the next three days and food, safe drinking water, emergency shelter and medical care

are expected to be the most urgent needs of the affected population. Most of these relief goods can be

sourced locally so we really need to get cash into the area as soon as possible.

“Supplies as they are needed can be locally sourced so that’s why cash is the most important contribution

we can make at this time. It also means that goods can be brought to the required locations very quickly.

“There are lots of volunteers on the ground and expertise has arrived quickly because the emergency plan

involved having skilled people ready to deploy.

“Our service for locating missing people or registering a missing person from here in Ireland is also working

well. To date, we believe that 13 – 14 Irish people are reported missing and already as many as three have

been found.

“Strong after-shocks are continuing and many people are sleeping in the open air, as they fearful of

returning to their homes,” Mr Roche said.

The Irish Red Cross has launched an appeal for funds to support the effort. Donations can be made online at

redcross.ie or by phoning 1850 507070.

Mr Roche added that aid is likely to be needed for some weeks to come as accessibility to towns and villages

closer to the epicentre of the quake is hindered by the quake’s destructive force. This has also affected

communications which makes it difficult to establish the welfare of those missing.

The Red Cross has also discussed the relief effort with the President of Nepal Red Cross who warned against

an uncoordinated response which can hamper efforts.