Donations Make a Difference in Nepal, Need Still Great
The national ministry team recently spoke with Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, President of the Nepal Family Church and Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF)-Nepal, who is on site during the recovery of Nepal. Below is an interview in which Hon. Dhakal explains the continuous struggle for the Nepalese people, and outlines how your donations can help.
Hon. Dhakal continued his tour of the districts to meet, greet and distribute relief to earthquake victims. On May 15, 2015, he and his team visited the Gorkha district, Palungtar Municipality and the Nayapati, Kathmandu district. “People were happy to see someone who cares about them,” said Hon. Dhakal. “We have distributed rice and tents to the victims and brought relief kits for about 50 families; however, over 150 families showed up hoping for a kit. Unfortunately, 100 families returned home empty handed. I am deeply sorry and wish to go back there again to support them.”
Contributions are still greatly needed to provide a tent, a mat and food for earthquake victims. These are basic items that keep people dry during this rainy season and protect them from the sun when it’s dry. It is a minimal necessity that the people are grateful to receive.
The generosity of people around the world has been wonderful to see, and is really making a difference. The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP)-Korea was able to distribute 300 Korean blankets to new mothers, and Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal and his team were able to bring some supplies including milk and biscuits to a shelter that housed 4,000 victims. He was particularly struck by the number of mothers there with young infants, some less than a month old. Even the small gifts they brought were received with so much gratitude and joy. “Let’s share our love to the needy people who are victimized by the natural disaster,” urged Hon. Dhakal.
As of May 17, 2015, the death toll had risen to 8,567 people, and 756,070 houses were destroyed. The Gorkha Earthquake has been followed by 240 aftershocks. At Gorkha hospital, Hon. Dakhal brought milk and power meals to supply vitamins to nearly 1200 injured and ill people. They were grateful to be remembered and cared for. “Mental and physical pain for the victims in the hospital is indescribable,” he observed. “They are sad by the loss of their loved ones, they have worries about their families who survived, and of course worry about themselves.”
Even in the midst of so much tragedy, people continue to contribute their time, money, and love in order to serve the nation and its people. Hon. Dakhal is especially thankful for PM International, Mr. Bishnu Adhikari, Dr Chakraborty and Mr Khim Bahadur for providing relief items; the Nepalese Army, and leaders and Members of the Universal Peace Federation and FFWPU Nepal for their tireless service to the victims; and for people who have donated generously from around the world.