Global Emergency Response in South Asia

On August 26 at approximately 9:00 am, an avalanche of ice and rock from a collapsed glacier on the border in Tibet sent a massive and powerful surge of water through a narrow valley in northern Nepal. The force of the floodwaters swept away bridges, infrastructure, homes, and everything else in its path.

The Rausuwa area is a major border crossing for China–Nepal trade and an important route for religious pilgrims travelling toward Mount Kailash. Because of the remoteness and difficult terrain, assessments and rescue efforts have been challenging and slow. Current reports indicate that approximately 800 people are missing, while 20 motorable bridges, 25 telecommunications stations, and 11 hydroelectric dams have been damaged or destroyed. These numbers are still being assessed and are expected to change as access to affected areas improves.

Our partners on the ground are designated first responders for emergency relief. As of yesterday, they had already mobilized food and hygiene packages and were working with municipalities and government officials to develop an access and assessment plan. They are mobilizing two response teams right now:

• The first team is a medical response team made up of a doctor, nurse, and physiotherapist. They are preparing to travel with medications and essential medical supplies. Once they reach the affected area, the medical team will be redeployed by helicopter to where they are most needed.
• The second team is a logistics team carrying food packets, tarps, and hygiene supplies. They will help establish and support the reception point, receiving people as they arrive and providing immediate practical assistance.
  

This is happening quickly, and there is a tremendous amount of work involved in getting these teams safely into the affected area. Please pray for these teams right now. Pray for their safety, for clear communication and coordination, for wisdom as they assess the needs, and for the strength to do the difficult work ahead.

The Alliance Canada has made an initial commitment of $10,000 to the first-responder efforts. Their initial response will focus on providing food, shelter, and hygiene supplies to the most vulnerable — particularly people with disabilities. While the need will be enormous for everyone affected, people with disabilities often face additional barriers and vulnerabilities during disasters; therefore, reaching and supporting them is a priority in emergency response.

Would you consider joining us in responding to this crisis?

The road to recovery will be long, and the needs will continue to become clearer as teams are able to reach more communities. Your financial support is helping to provide practical, immediate assistance to people who are among the most vulnerable in this disaster.

Most importantly, please pray:

• for those still missing and for the rescue efforts, especially as time becomes increasingly critical.   
• for effective coordination between the government, non-government organizations, local communities, and first responders.
• for wisdom and discernment as relief efforts are organized and aid is distributed honestly and equitably.
• for those who have lost family members, homes, livelihoods, and communities. The road to recovery and  rebuilding will be long.
• for the hearts of the responding teams — that God would equip them to serve those who are frightened,  displaced, and in desperate need with compassion, courage, and practical love.
• for the church. Pray that God would equip the churches in Nepal to serve their communities well—with wisdom, courage, full and generous hearts, and a tangible display of the loving and generous God we follow. That as their feet bring beautiful news, in these days when the mountains quake and the hill melts, that many will turn to seek refuge in him.

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¹Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.