SINGAPORE - Mercy Relief will deploy a duo to Kathmandu, Nepal, as a preliminary disaster response effort. They will ascertain ground needs and procure initial batch of relief supplies.
The Singaporean humanitarian non-governmental organisation said in a statement on Sunday that it will also dedicate an initial $60,000 to acute relief efforts.
On Saturday, an earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude with a 15km depth struck northeast of capital Kathmandu. At least 18 aftershocks have since been recorded, and least 2,000 people have died. More than 4,000 people have been injured. The government of Nepal has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international humanitarian assistance.
Mercy Relief's focus will be to address the pressing needs for shelter, medicine, food, water and hygiene kits, the statement said.
Explaining Mercy Relief's mission, Chairman Michael Tay said: "From experience, we are directing our acute relief efforts at shoring up the supply and distribution of shelter, food and water for the survivors".
He added that a rapid response team will on Monday conduct a more comprehensive assessment of the needs of the affected communities to determine how the organisation can most effectively assist with their immediate recovery.
Mercy Relief will also launch an appeal for donations in Singapore for the victims of the quake on Monday. In the meantime, the public can contribute through the following donation modes set up by Mercy Relief.
Modes of Donation
- Cross cheque to Mercy Relief Limited with 'Nepal Earthquake Relief 2015' written on the reverse, and mail to Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, S310160
- Cash donations at Blk 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, S310160
- Funds transfer to Mercy Relief's DBS Current Account 054-900741-2
- Credit Card donation via www.mercyrelief.org
- Phone donation via 1900-112-1010 ($10 donation) and 1900-112-1050 ($50 donation)
