As the toll of those having lost their lives in the Nepal Earthquake reaches to more than 6000 with millions affected severely, the Indian Red Cross Society has been keeping a close watch on the scenario as it has been unfolding. According to reports, half a million tents are urgently needed for the huge number of people forced out of their homes due to the devastation apart from other help for the victims. In keeping with the seriousness of the situation, emergency meetings are continuously being held and situation being reviewed by the Secretary General. On the request of the Government of India, it has been decided to send in 2000 Tarpaulin sheets, 800 Family Tents, 2000 blankets and one more large water purification unit with output of 3000 litres of clean drinking water per hour.
A meeting was earlier held by the Secretary General at the IRCS National Headquarters on 27th April, 2015 with Red Cross Movement partners to discuss the readiness of relief materials and volunteers for rescue and distribution. An emergency control room has been set up is continuously monitoring the situation and mobilizing help as more needs of the affected population are assessed.
Dr Agarwal, while taking stock of the emergency situation, had informed the partners that he has been attending high level Government meeting to review the emergency. The IRCS had earlier been requested to assist the Government of India by providing a large water purification machine, Body Bags and stretchers.
Accordingly, the following items had already been sent: