Nepal earthquake

What happened? The 2015 Nepal earthquake occurred on 25 April with a magnitude of 7.8 It is the most powerful disaster to strike Nepal for over 80 years. More than 4,500 people are believed to have died as a result, with casualties reported in Nepal and adjoining areas of India, China and Bangladesh. The earthquake also triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest, killing at least 17.

What is an earthquake and why are they so deadly? An earthquake is the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth’s surface. They are the Earth's natural means of releasing stress. More than a million earthquakes rattle the world each year. Earthquakes can be felt over large areas, although they usually last less than one minute. Earthquakes cannot be predicted - although scientists are working on it!

What happens after a earthquake? As well as the huge loss of life, many thousands of people will be left without shelter, food and medical care. Many will be grieving for lost family and friends. Preventing the spread of disease is one of the most important tasks facing aid workers who are arriving.

What can Patana do to help? Patana will immediately be sending a 100,000 baht donation to UNICEF 50,000 baht from primary and 50,000 baht from secondary. There will be collection boxes at the front of school and placed at the primary office where children can make a donation if they wish. You can also pass the donation money on through your teacher.

Where will our money go? The United Nations Children's Fund. About UNICEF UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

UNICEF is mobilizing staff and emergency supplies to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of children affected by the earthquake, focusing on water and sanitation, nutrition, education and child protection. UNICEF is already supporting distribution of water and provision of oral rehydration salts and zinc supplements to people gathered in informal settlements and providing tents for field medical facilities.

Thank you for your help