Earthquake Prompts UK Students From Nepal to Mobilize

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 4, 2015) — A group of University of Kentucky students from Nepal is helping to relieve the suffering in their home country caused by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that took place Saturday, April 25.

The students have started a fundraising initiative, “Nepal, I am with you,” to obtain food, medical supplies, and rebuild broken communities. To learn more about their initiative, visit their fundraising website.

“We are far from home and are suffering from not being there,” said Suraj Upadhaya. “We are not there in physical support, but we can send emotional support while we are in Kentucky.”

More than 7,000 people have died in the earthquake, injuries top 14,000 and according to the “Nepal, I am with you” website, more than 450,000 people were reportedly displaced from their homes. Many homes were destroyed, and people are living in tents without relief. 

“We must assure these families that they do not stand alone,” Upadhaya said.

The funds raised by this initiative will be used to help a small village of 20-40 families outside of Kathmandu to provide direct support at the community level.

“All foreign aid now is solely focused on the capital, Kathmandu. Small villages outside the capital are not getting enough aid and relief materials,” said Upadhaya. "Please, help us help our families and friends. Let us assure them by saying from around the world, 'Nepal, I am with you.'  Stand with us. Stand with Nepal.”