y 13th - The Visit Himalaya Treks team, including Himal Tamang & Rajan Khatri, delivered relief to 97 households of Ramche. This effort was 100% funded by the people and friends of Nepal and what #SaveRuralNepal is supporting. The next delivery will be fully funded by #SaveRuralNepal. May 12th - Second massive earthquake (7.3) hits Nepal at 12:50pm!!! May 12th - With your amazing support we are already able to schedule our first delivery of rice and lentils to Ramche on Wednesday (possibly Thursday). Check back for more updates!
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As many of you know we (Jen & Andrew Maiorana) were in Nepal trekking when the massive 7.8 earthquake hit. We were 24 miles from the epicenter and remarkably lucky to get out alive after nine days and two helicopter trips. You may also know that humanitarian aid is pouring into Nepal, albeit in a cumbersome manner. The confused Nepalese government is directing this aid, which is going mainly to where the media has covered while leaving so many in need of help. In Nepal, 80% of the population live in rural and difficult to reach areas. Our former trekking company, Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt.Ltd, that helped save our lives has lost all their business for the season and true to their culture have turned to help their fellow Nepalese. They have already pooled their money and begun buying rice and lentils for villages they know need help. Together, with Rajan Khatri of Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt.Ltd, we plan to address short term food needs and long term health needs fr as many people and villages as we can (for those who know Himal, Rajan is his newphew.) PLAN STRATEGY DETAILS:
#1 Aid - Village of Ramche VDC, ward No:9 in Rasuwa District - AID GIVEN on MAY 13th
In a recent NYTimes article "villages like Ramche that have been all but cut off from the world." Reason of focus: Out of 97 homes (averaging six per household) only half are still standing. They have not yet received government aid because they are not easily accessible by road. Not to mention, they've had landslides in the past and currently live amongst an active landslide.
#2 Aid - Village of Bakachol VDC - AID GIVEN on MAY 26th
At lead 50 homes have been completely destroyed in this extremely rural village. We've sent 70 shelter tarps with Rajan on a one day 4x4 and two day porter trip to deliver the aid. As of this writing he should be touching base with additional details - will update this post again once we have more information.
#3 Aid - The team is researching the hard hit Gorhka District to indentify a top village in need - more details soon. Money allocation: In the next 30 days the goal is to support rural villages with much needed food - specifically rice and lentils, both staple foods. After we ensure the villages have food, we will turn to developing health clinics. Already UNICEF is saying "the health and well-being of children affected by the disaster are hanging in the balance – as many have been left homeless, in deep shock and with no access to basic care." Our plan is to hire local doctors and facilitate a visit to these difficult to reach villages for one or two day health clinics to provide necessary treatment for those in need. Jen, Andrew and Rajan Khatri will continue to work hard to prioritize the village's needs and adjust our plan as required. Our goal is help as many hard hit rural villages as possible in one of the poorest countries in the world over the next six months. We have this local avenue, through Rajan, to truly make a difference during the time people need us most. Jen and Andrew plan to give all that they can to the people of rural Nepal in need. Why give to us instead of a large aid organization? The short answer is - give to both. By working directly with the people affected we are able to circumnavigate the bureaucracy that is holding up much of the aid that is sitting in Kathmandu. By giving to our plan we can work directly Rajan Khatri to continue his great work and help these villages in mere days. We'll take the time to understand their true needs and get them what they need to survive the monsoon season and get back on their feet. This is a moment in time to donate and make a difference, time is running out. WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE BY DONATING TO OUR FUND - We will provide photos of the progress at each step of the way. We'll show the procurement and delivery of food and supplies to the people in need. This is our promise. We hope you feel that we've taken the time to devise a solid plan that can work and truly save people - Please consider giving to our plan or simple sharing our fund. Cash donations are important - It allows us to procure the exact items needed for each village's priorities, supports the local economy of the disaster-stricken area, and allows us to move quickly with our Nepalese team to deliver help to rural ares. If you have any questions or concerns that are preventing you from donating, please tell us by emailing Andrew - amaiorana at gmail.com
If you want to learn more about our story, feel free to peruse the LATimes article that interviewed us at the US Embassy the day after our rescue.
