World rallies to help Nepal

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: Following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and its surrounds on Saturday – resulting in a death toll nearing 1,900 yesterday – the assistance from countries, humanitarian organizations, companies and individuals has been great and swift.

Much of the assistance has been recorded online, including:

@kathmandupost: “Canada announces $5 million for emergency relief programmes; Russia to send a rescue team, to land later on today. #NepalEarthquake #Nepal.”

@STcom said that the Singapore government had contributed $100,000 towards this appeal as seed money. More details on the appeal and the various channels to donate would be released soon.

@SGRedCross: “We have disbursed SGD50,000 worth of relief items to #NepalQuake and will be launching a public appeal for funds.”

CNN iReport asked people to share their stories. @cnnireport: “Are you searching for someone after the #NepalQuake? You can share your story: https://ireport.cnn.com/topics/1236600.”

USAID deployed a Disaster Assistance Response team to the region and is providing an initial $1 million in emergency assistance “as we assess humanitarian needs in cooperation with the Government of Nepal. USAID is also activating an Urban Search and Rescue Team to accompany disaster experts”.

@W7VOA: “@USAID deploying Disaster Assistance Response Team to #NepalQuake region & providing initial $1 million in emergency assistance.”

The World Food Program, launched to raise money to help people affected by the earthquake, said: “WPP is responding to those affected by the #NepalQuake. Here’s how you can help https://give.wfp.org/5279/”

@UNICEF_Thailand: “Donate online to help children in Nepal at https://www.unicef.or.th/supportus/campaign/Earthquake_Nepal.”

Other donation channels are at https://www.facebook.com/unicefthailand/photos/a.148550029631.115556.125003539631/10152826736554632/?type=1&theater, and https://twitter.com/UNICEF_Tha//592190691800813569/photo/1.

In response to the tragedy, Google launched the Google Personal Finder – https://google.org/personfinder/2015-nepal-earthquake – by offering two features: “I’m looking for someone” and “I have information about someone”.

@AKunrojpanya, Google Thailand’s communications and public affairs manager, tweeted: “In Nepal or trying to contact loved ones there? Google person finder is now available https://t.co/iczEJJh39h #NepalEarthquake #Nepal.”

Meanwhile, Facebook launched a safety tool for people in affected areas called Safety Check as a new feature where users either mark themselves or their friends and family as “safe”.

Mark Zuckerberg, founder and chief executive of Facebook, posted on his timeline [facebook.com/ zuck/posts/10102050030813611?__mref=message] that Facebook activated Safety Check at www.facebook.com/safetycheck/nepalearthquake for people affected by the earthquake in Nepal. It’s a simple way to let family and friends know you’re okay. “If you’re in one of the areas affected by the earthquake, you’ll get a notification asking if you’re safe, and whether you want to check on any of your friends. When disasters happen, people need to know their loved ones are safe. It’s moments like this that being able to connect really matters. My thoughts are with everyone who’s been caught up in this tragedy.”

Crowdfunding platform Taejai.com also launched a campaign to get people to donate money, with the target of 300,000 baht in six days.

How to donate:

Donate to help children in Nepal: Donate online at https://www.unicef.or.th/supportus/campaign/Earthquake_Nepal – Donate offline atBangkok Bank, Ko Pho Branch, Current Account, Account No. 201-3-01324-4; Krung Thai Bank, Banglamphu Branch, Current Account, Account No. 167-6-00662-1; Bank of Ayudhya, Banglamphu Branch, Current Account, Account No. 011-0-06153-6; Kasikorn Bank, Banglamphu Branch, Current Account, Account No. 008-1-09766-6; Siam Commercial Bank, Banglamphu Branch, Current Account, Account No. 003-3-10443-3. Please fax pay slip to 02-356-9229 or 02-281-6033 and write “for Nepal” on the slip.

Please also provide your name and address so we can send you a receipt.

Thank you.

Phra Kru Pariyat Photivithet Mahasupoj has raised a funds and donation center for supplies at Wat Thai Lumpini.

Donate to the account titled “Construct and Renovate Wat Thai Lumpini Nepal”, Bangkok Bank’s Talad Plu branch, account number 1150868584. Please indicate in the pay in “help victims from Nepal quakes” and send mail to lumbini979@gmail.com.

From Wat Thai Kusinara Chalermrat, India

From Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan:

Donate at the account titled “Help the quake victims in Nepal” Siam Commercial Bank’s Wongwian Odian, account number 1792046847. Please send a copy of a transfer slip to therd?worvg@gmail.com, fax 02-621-1816 (Phra Vichit Thammaporn, deputy abbot of Wat Saket).

— Phuket Gazette Editors