The epicentre of the earthquake was 80 kilometres north-west of the capital Kathmandu and has rocked much of the country. The death count continues to rise, but currently more than 3000 people are confirmed dead and approximately 350 Australians are still unaccounted for.

The full extent of damage and loss will not be known for some time.

In response to the disaster, the Australian Government has pledged $5 million in aid and charities are urging Australians to individually donate to emergency relief efforts.

The Sydney Morning Herald has published a list of reputable charities seeking donations:

• Red Cross Nepal Region Earthquake Appeal – 1800 811 700, www.redcross.org.au
• UNICEF –1300 884 233, www.unicef.org.au
• Save The Children – 1800 760 011, www.savethechildren.org.au
• World Vision Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund –13 32 40, www.worldvision.com.au
• Care Australia – 1800 020 046, www.care.org.au/nepal
• Plan –13 75 26, www.plan.org.au
• TEAR Nepal Earthquake Appeal – 1800 244 986, www.tear.org.au
• Caritas Australia General Emergency Fund – 1800 024 413, www.caritas.org.au

ACNC warns of scams

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has cautioned Australians to be wary of scams and only donate to established humanitarian charities that are registered with the ACNC.

Susan Pascoe, Commissioner of the ACNC, said that Australians are renowned for their generosity, financially supporting many charities and causes each year.

“Unfortunately, as we have seen recent natural disasters like Cyclone Pam and the New South Wales floods, there are scammers prepared to take advantage of the public’s generous nature. By giving to a registered charity, people can protect themselves and their donations,” she said.

The ACNC’s Charity Register can be used to check details of charities, and avoid unregistered charities and scams.

Australian NFPs respond

Many Australian not-for-profit (NFP) organisations are mobilising emergency responses, such as Sydney-based Adara Group and Melbourne-based The Big Umbrella.

In collaboration with other organisations, The Big Umbrella has organised a relief team of volunteers who will be flying out to Nepal Monday evening. So far they have raised over $7000 that will be put towards disaster relief essentials, and are seeking urgent supply donations (see below).

Adara Group’s Nepal Country Director, Pralhad Dhakal, has reported that all Adara staff, local project partners and the 136 formerly trafficked children that Adara works with are safe and accounted for. The organisation has been working in Nepal for over 17 years.

Adara Group has set up the Adara Earthquake Relief Appeal which will provide support to communities, local project partners and the wider Nepali community affected by the earthquake.