Springfield-based crisis response agency Convoy of Hope sent a disaster services team with equipment and supplies to Nepal.
On Saturday, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit, killing at least 4,000 people and accounting for as much as $5 billion in damages, according to media reports. The Springfield News-Leader reports Dan Nash, owner of Nixa-based Satori Adventures and Expeditions, was climbing in the country and survived the quake.
According to a Convoy of Hope news release, immediate needs for survivors include medical care, food, water and shelter. Convoy of Hope is working with a network of 100 churches and organizations to offer support. It also has set up a donation portal, allowing tax-deductible gift amounts to be made, according to the release.
“Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and is not well equipped to respond to a disaster of this magnitude,” said Hal Donaldson, president and co-founder of Convoy of Hope, in the release. “Because the need is so great, we are calling on all our friends to help us help those who are suffering.”
Republic-based Jyoti Nepal - a faith-based nonprofit seeking to provide aide to children in the country - also is accepting donations via JyotiNepal.org. [[In-content Ad]]
A safe room and classroom addition at Willard Central Elementary School will be used by the music, arts and athletic programs for a district that had 4,536 students last year, according to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education figures, but school officials say enrollment is projected to grow.