Last week's 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Nepal has left thousands dead and even more displaced across the country — from remote rural towns to the country's capital, Kathmandu, the quake's epicenter.
Despite the best efforts of those on the ground and in the air, authorities need all the help they can get as they battle both the elements and problematic terrain that have hampered both rescue and cleanup efforts.
Below you can find a list of local and national organizations that are accepting donations to help those affected in Nepal.
The Nepalese community at the University of Texas has raised nearly $5,000. They're accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Mall and Gregory Gym. All monetary donations will go to Global Giving, but the group is also accepting donations of clothes and other necessities that will be given to the Nepalese Society of Texas and Red Cross Dallas, who will send them to Nepal. Items include:
- Food
- Clothing
- Batteries
- Tents
- Sleeping
- Bags
- Disinfectants, cleaning wipes
- Rain gear
- Tents
- Bandages, band aids
- Scissors
- First aid kits
The Greater Austin Nepali Society has started a GoFundMe page and is seeking monetary donations.
The Hem Sarita Pathak Foundation has started a GoFundMe page seeking donations for the village of Ghumarchowk, outside the capital Kathmandu. The Austin-based foundation regularly does work on the ground in the village, and will use all funds not allocated for first-responders, shelter and food to rebuild the Ugratara School.
The North Austin Nepali community has also started a GoFundMe page to donate to organizations on the ground.
Additionally, the Better Business Bureau has compiled a list of nearly 40 organizations that are accepting donations to Nepal.
Have any other organizations that are helping out in Nepal that you feel we should mention? Feel free to let us know in the comments.