Canadian Red Cross

Published purpose

May 2015 – On 25 April, an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hit Nepal near the capital city of Kathmandu. The government has reported that 30 out of 75 districts are affected in the Western and Central Regions, including districts in Kathmandu Valley. The epicentre is located 81 km northwest of Kathmandu. A number of large aftershocks have occurred since the first earthquake. To date, over 3,000 deaths have been confirmed and over 6,000 people have been injured. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available. With DFATD’s support, the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is helping to meet the life-saving health needs of up to 50,000 people affected by the earthquake. Relief activities include: (1) deploying a basic health care unit with surgical and obstetric care capacity; and (2) providing mobile health care, including vaccinations, rehydration, and mother and child care for up to 200 people per day.