Heifer Nepal staff reported safe, working to report on families affected
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Apr. 25, 2015) – A 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal Saturday has impacted an area of Heifer International projects near the capital Kathmandu, Heifer officials said Saturday. Heifer staff are working to assess safety of families as well as determine damage to homes and any loss of animals.
All Heifer Nepal staff are reported safe, said Padma Singh, senior director of Heifer’s Asia Programs. Telephone lines have disrupted communication.
To help us assist Heifer families impacted by the earthquake, please visit: http://www.heifer.org/campaign/disaster-rehabilitation-fund/index.html
Heifer International is currently working with 138,000 farmers in 28 districts of Nepal to develop goat and dairy enterprises. By strengthening local production, Heifer is working to reduce imports of goats and milk into Nepal and enabling local farmers to develop income sources.
Heifer has worked in Nepal since 1977 to reduce poverty and build sustainable family enterprises with animals like, sheep, goats, ducks and water buffalo.
Initial reports state the epicenter of the quake was about 50 miles from Katmandu and has caused significant damage. Between 700 and 900 are feared dead and thousands more injured.
While Heifer International is not a relief organization, we work to supplement relief organizations’ support after natural disasters to help our farmers recover. We will be updating here with news of our farmers.
Please visit the Heifer Blog for the most up to date information.
ABOUT HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. For more than 70 years, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 30 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For information, visit www.heifer.org, read our blog, follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @Heifer or call 888.5HUNGER (888.548.6437).
