World Concern responds to help victims of Nepal earthquake

World Concern, a Shoreline-based humanitarian organization, is responding through partners on the ground in Nepal to help survivors of the earthquake that struck the country Saturday. At 11:56am local time a magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook the region surrounding the capital of Kathmandu.

The number of casualties continues to rise, but thousands are feared injured or dead. Hospitals are overcrowded and people are in need of emergency supplies and assistance.

“We at World Concern were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost so many loved ones. Our staff in the region are trained and prepared to help in these types of disasters, and we’re working closely with partners to assess the specific needs of survivors,” said World Concern Senior Director of International Operations Matt Ellingson. 

“Earthquakes and catastrophes are part of our world. But in places already strained by poverty, people are more vulnerable to disasters. It turns a difficult situation into an impossible situation for families.”

World Concern has 60 years of experience in providing humanitarian aid and disaster response programming in some of the poorest countries in the world. The agency’s partnership with 20 other Christian NGOs through the Integral Alliance enables World Concern to respond more quickly to disasters in partner countries, reaching more people in greatest need.

“The fastest way to respond to critical needs in this type of disaster is by utilizing available resources in the region. We need to get funds into the hands of our partners on the ground as soon as possible,” said World Concern Deputy Director of Disaster Response, Chris Sheach. 

“We will work with local agencies and other international responders to provide emergency shelter, water and food as fast as possible for the thousands of people sleeping outside while aftershocks continue.”

Donations to help the Nepal earthquake response can be made online 

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization, part of the CRISTA organization.