On April 25th, people were going about their daily activities when just before noon, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the central and western regions of Nepal. The quake's effects were devastating. In minutes it destroyed homes, commercial buildings, roads, infrastructure, temples, churches and access to remote areas.

“We were having a holiness meeting and were opening a time for sharing testimonies,” says Major Ralte on her experience of the quake. “There was a great rumbling sound and the whole ground was shaking. Outside, people were shouting and calling out to their respective gods. The pipelines and the water tank broke off the roof. Cows were mooing, dogs were barking and the crows were hovering. The house was shaking so much that it was difficult to get to the door, but after some time, we managed to get out.”

The local Salvation Army quickly sprang into action, caring for their neighbours, while support from the international Salvation Army family provided additional resources and personnel. The Canada and Bermuda Territory, from the generous support of donors, sent funding to provide food to 8,000 people living in 25 villages in the remote mountainous area of northern Ghorka. The Salvation Army partnered with MountainChild, a US charity that works in the remote areas of Nepal. MountainChild has been working in these regions for over 10 years, and have built strong relationships with village leaders. This partnership has delivered food to the people in the area. Usually these items would be delivered on foot but since the quake, all walking trails have been destroyed and all food was delivered by helicopter.

The Salvation Army is continuing to respond to the needs of Nepal's most vulnerable. International Headquarters' emergency relief team is on the ground providing emotional, spiritual and practical support.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts, please visit www.salvationarmy.ca/giftsofhope and choose the disaster relief option.

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