LCS - NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF 2015
Who are we:
Life Care Society, a community arm of Singapore Life Church.
What we do:
We provide immediate basic help and relief for 2015 Nepal earthquake disaster victims.
Immediate Basic relief include:
Food items for eg. Rice packs, dal,oil and etc; medicine and tents
Where we work:
The hardest-hit earthquake areas of Nepal.
Phase One: Kathmandu Valley
Phase Two: Districts outside Kathmandu Valley including Gorkha, Sindhupalchowk, Dhading, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, Dolakha and etc.
How we work:
We manage and implement the project through our local Nepal office (Uddhar Nepal) staff teams and volunteers, and also work closely with community committees and local churches to deliver relief aids to the hands of the needy.
When we work:
We receive relief donation from 27 April up to 31 May 2015.
We work towards the conclusion of the relief work by end of June.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 1 Jul 2015
Padri's home was destroyed by the earthquake, currently he is staying in tents that was distributed by Life Care Society. He has started to rebuild his home with two rooms, one for his father and brother and another one for his family of 6. We have supplied him with zinc materials and to other 18 families in his areas. Now they are looking forward to a new home soon in two to three weeks' time.
For Phase 2 of our relief effort, it ended with the distributions of 130 bundles of zinc materials to more than 40 families for building roofs, toilets and rooms.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 22 June 2015
Taplejung district had its first ever severe landslides on 11 June, more than 1000 families are affected, they lost their loved ones, houses, fields and cattle.
On 17-21 Jun our team went to Taplejung and distributed 50 tents, 50 sets of cooking utensils, 500 packs of rice, 500kgs of dal and oil to 500 needy families.
We have 4 local village leaders and 30 volunteers handling the distribution and the people walked for hours from the hill top to the distribution point.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 8 June 2015
Phase two of the relief project has now coming to an end. We are taking a short pause to rest, to pray and strategically plan for the execution of phase 3 relief project soon. We need God given compassion, wisdom and vision for the mid to long term goals.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 3 June 2015
Even though aftershocks are still happening, (yesterday recorded 3 times @ M4+ according to local radio news) school has resumed on 31 May. Offices and shops operate as usual and were once again busy. I guess aftershock has already become part of a Nepalese's lives. Prayerfully the nature and people of Nepal will be getting back to normalcy very soon after a month of struggles and fears.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 1 June 2015
A 3 days journey to distribute rice pack to 501 families in Dolahka & 595 families in Ramechhap was completed.
The way to Buje, Ramechappb was extremely challenging. Landslides is still happening randomly. It took 15 hours from Dolakha to Ramechhap but we were unable to reach the distribution point because the trucks can't go through the narrow road. We had to ask the local guys to help unload and safeguard the relief items over night at approximately 2500m altitude in very cold weather. Simon Dai, my dear elder brother has diligently arranged with the local contact and community leaders to distribute the rations the next day.
We truly need a good and sound rest when we go back to Kathmandu today.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 29 May 2015
Dolakha@ Mainapokari. 235 families had received their first rice packs beside their 10kgs of rice relief received the last time. Our coordinator Balaram worked with the local community leaders and invited the police there to help coordinate and ensure a systematic distribution. We are very satisfied with the distribution process.
One of the lady told me, "I am so happy! I wish to dance in front of you". Indeed after she got her rice, she danced. But I missed to take picture. This is the only thing I left undone and regretted so much.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 28 May 2015
Mr Bahadur, our contact point @ Dhading district told us:
"We are in the very remote hilly area and our people don't know how to contact outside to get help. Out of 9 wards, only one ward received 10kgs of rice per family so far. Others are in hunger as most of their belongings were buried in the ruins. Only you Life Care Society/Uddhar Nepal came immediately to us upon our request, thank you very much! I called the representatives from each ward and they came out with the list of beneficiaries with priority given to the most needy family. Today and tomorrow all the families will come and collect their rice packs from our distribution point."
We distributed 1360 rice packs at Dhading. This is the biggest quantity we have ever distributed as the areas are in desperate need urgently.
I saw a child eating the raw rice from the rice pack they had received due to hunger. Though it broke my heart, I was thankful for being able to reach them on time.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 27 May 2015
It was God's timing that I received a request from a Singapore friend’s Nigel to send relief to Gorkha Larpak villages, where the first earthquake epicentre is. It is one of the toughest area to reach because the road was blocked due to landslides since day one and the only way to reach there is by helicopter.
As many of the people there are not able to get any relief, we arranged for 608 rice packs, 608 kgs of oil and dal to be sent immediately from Gorkha district centre. Two of our team members went along with 6 trucks.
Initially we were expecting that the villagers had to walk to Barpak (a place where vehicle can reach) to collect the relief items and carry all the way back home which could be a day journey. However praise the Lord for opening doors. The road was open when our trucks reached Barpak and we were able to drive all the way to Larpak.
Hari and Jonesh our team’s members, along with a few Nepali brothers travelled 2 days from Kathmandu to Larpak. It’s a really tough and dangerous journey and we appreciate so much of their hard work.
Seeing many people carrying their rice packs back home, they were so satisfied and thank God that they are now safely back to Kathmandu.
Distribution is stil on going in Gorkha as the areas were vastly devastated.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 26 May 2015
Today we went to Sindhupalchow k@ Bhanjjang, distributed 82 packs of rice to that particular ward. The villagers heard of our work and requested us to send relief there as they have not received any rice pack so far. It was good weather and the day ended with much joy.
Life Care Society Nepal Relief Team 2015
Thank God for the staff and volunteer of Nepal Relief Team in their relentless effort in bringing aid relief to many quake affected areas. May the Lord continues to bless, protects and use them to be a blessings to many.
Life Care Society Nepal Relief Update -24 May
Sindulpulchowk @ Helembu - Distributed aids to 88 families at 2000 metres on top of a hill. The people had to walk for a few hours to collect the aids from the our distributing point. But we have to leave the place quickly when it started to rain as a very strong & powerful pre-monsoon wind blown away the zinc roofs of the temporary houses. It broke my heart to see some of the people will lose their house once again in this way
We reached home at midnight carefully driving through the landslide areas. Praise the Lord for journey mercy and our prayer goes out to those who are living in suffering.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 23 May 2015
Distribution in Shindupalchowk @ Basbari. 127 families received their relief aid of one pack of rice for the first time since the quake.
Our precious Disaster Relief Team and Volunteers.
This is the best team I have ever had! The unity of the heart & spirit helped us overcome all difficulties, challenges and obstacles, while at the same time having great joy serving and experiencing God together!
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 21 May 2015
Gorkha -place 4 @ Tokakot - Distributed 53 packets of rice and 30 tents to 70 families. This is the most challenging among all places in Gorkha due to the road conditions but the Lord has clear all obstructions for us. One of the Ammak embraced me tightly and kept saying "Dhanyabad!". When I looked into her thankful eye, it's worth for the journey!
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 19 May 2015
Gorkha place 1 - Phinam - aid distribution of rice pack to 133 families. Our partner’s Relief.sg has also distributed 30 tarps to build tents for the victims.
Gorkha place 2 - Peeplethog - Last night, we distributed rice pack to 50 families at Peeplethog. We had a hard time reaching there at night as the road condition is severely challenging. The village we went to is 99% damaged. It's saddening to see but we are glad that the aid relief items bring hope and smiles to the people at the devastated zone.
Gorkha place 3 @ Argumle, Bhushal Gau, Barabise - aids distribution of rice packs to 58 families this morning. Our partner Relief.sg also distributed water filtration kits to the people as their water is unclean due to the river source. Praise the Lord for the smiley faces!
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 19 May 2015
Yesterday was a long and challenging journey to Gorkha- Phenim. We reached the place at 9pm local time, set our tent and prepared for relief distribution the next day. A few young guys from the villages volunteered to be our security guards. Appreciate their service but their noises had also contributed to our sleepless night though.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 18 May 2015
We have distributed relief items to 160 families in Dhading today. Our jeep cannot access the place due to road condition so we got down and walk.
Many families have been telling us the same thing, "Nobody come to help us. No organization or any government agency. So far we have only received help of 10kgs of rice from one of our friend's since the 1st earthquake. We do not have enough food. And thankful that you care for us and came all the way to give us these. We are very happy. Thank you very much!"
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 17 May 2015
3 friends from Relief.sg had reached Nepal today. We had a delicious home cooked Nepali dinner and great time of fellowship.
Their mission for this trip is to distribute tarps, water filtration kits and medicines together with our relief suppliers. We will start our journey tomorrow to Dhading and Gurkha for a few days. I expected it to be a tough journey but it's great that we can work together and have greater strength to help the needies.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 16 May 2015
Today we went to Nuwakot 10 areas to distribute relief goods. We have selected 130 very needy families in the remote areas where relief vehicle normally don't go and due to the hard terrain. One of our coordinator from Nuwakot said, "No one like you send the relief items to our doorstep while we have no chance to access to them".
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 16 May 2015
Thanks to our local volunteer team for their hard work! We started our journey at 6am and ended around 6.30pm. Throughout the day, we were on the road loading and unloading non-stop. They only preference are Nepali set lunch all the time because they can eat as much as they can and gain enough energy to last the day.
What a meaningful day despite encountering another 5.7 magnitude aftershock on our way back where we saw people running out to the streets again. As usual, we are all well and safe by the grace of God!
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 12 May 2015
Yesterday, our team went to several places in the Sindhupalchowk district including Sukete, Lamushanga and Karkitar. It's a long and arduous journey to distribute the aid items to the 244 families and many thanks to our team for their great effort.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 8 May 2015
Yesterday, our Uddhar Nepal team together with our local partner TWR Nepal volunteers visited Nuwakot-Karkani area. We are sad to hear from the local pastors due to casteism and religion difference, some Christian people are not getting any relief and help.
Hence we are working through the local churches network there. The churches will submit the list of victims from their congregations and in accordance to prioritized-need basis we will distribute the relief items through the churches (asap) so that the livelihood of our brothers and sisters are being taken care of.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 8 May 2015
We have successfully ordered 600 tents from India and will be arriving Kathmandu these two days. We will arrange for distribution to the families especially in the scattered hilly quake affected areas.
Another customized approach suggested by our head of community committee is to provide zinc as roof so they can make longer covered-shelter with some pillars (provided by themselves) to accommodate more families for some affected village or town in Kathmandu valley. Compared to tents, this can better withstand the rainy season that's approaching and also create more space for sheltering.
We see this to be a very good idea and will explore on the possibility soon.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES – 6 MAY 2015
We have visited few hardest hit hilly areas in the district of Sindhupalchowk, Golkha and Nuwakot to prepare for the 2nd phase relief work.
2nd phase is referring to immediate relief to extended areas outside Kathmandu valley. It mainly includes the distribution of food items, tents, medical supplies as these are currently the most urgently needed items for survival.
Rebuilding is still a long way to go. Currently the basic needs are too huge across the affected areas in the country and people are still struggling for their basic needs.
In Sindhupalchowk, road, schools and houses were damaged along the way up and down the hilly area of Basbari, the house or group of houses were scattered and totally devastated. No aid relief has reached yet when we visited. Rescue and relief work is difficult in this area due to its landscape.
We are working with the locals to set up a community committee for a systematic and fair distribution of aid relief items.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF STORY UPDATES: Smile At The Storm! 4 MAY 2015
On 25th Apr, we were on our way back from Far West to Kathmandu and stopped over at West for lunch. We experienced a 7.9 magnitude earthquake that sent us running out of the restaurant.
On the way back from West to Kathmandu, there were landslides along the highway, we waited for few hours for the authority to clear the road and continuously encountered many strong aftershocks.
When we reached Kathmandu at midnight, we saw almost 99% of the people set fire to keep themselves warm in the streets and put up makeshift tents while others just covered themselves with blankets and sat in the field till morning.
There were many aftershocks that night and the people were shouting and running around. Three of our Singapore Life Church elderly sisters, Mdm Yi Juan 75, Mdm Ah Moi 73 and Mdm Lucy 54 who was also there doing community mission work experienced all these for the first time in their lives yet they were not afraid.
The next morning they told me "Faith, it would good if we can get our flight back because we wouldn't want to add on your burden having to take care of us, but if we couldn't, we are not afraid and you can just tell us how we can help". I recalled those words and were thankful for their strong display of faith and courage.
On the morning of 26th Apr, although there were still many strong aftershocks at the range of 6 magnitude, we decided to enjoy the beautiful garden view of the villa instead. These three ladies not only cooked noodles but also prepared nice aroma coffee for our breakfast
I have no better word to describe of the inner peace that's within us as a Christian as we "Smile At the Storm because Jesus is in our vessel"
LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL RELIEF UPDATES - 3 MAY 2015
Four years ago, This Majhi lady at Sindhupalchowk district has lost her two infant children. During the earthquake on 25th April 2015, she and her husband were in the field and their only son whom is only four years old was sleeping in the house and buried alive without mercy. Let's us continue to pray for comfort for those who lost their loved ones during this disaster.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATES FROM NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF – 1 MAY 2015
We mobilised some local church volunteers to deliver and distribute aids to the far areas of Bugmati. The beneficiaries are believers and we have a detail list of them. Although it is not easy task but it’s worth doing.
Our volunteers whom themselves lost their homes in their village, feel so much joy and fulfilment in helping others.
"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." ~ Mark 10:41 ~
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATES FROM NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF – 1 MAY 2015
Today we distribute relief aids at Balhku slum area. These people have to work daily in order to earn their wages. They couldn’t get any food or water as they unable to work for the past week.
Most of their homes in this area were totally destroyed by the earthquake.
There are 4000 people and 4 churches in this slum. We are working with the community committee and church leaders in order to have an orderly and fair distribution of aid items to every family that could last them for 4-5days.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATES FROM NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF – 30 APR 2015
I’ve probably said it too early. Just now, we felt another aftershock again. And I’ve heard from my Nepali brother that there was an aftershock of may be M4+ in the early morning before dawn. Perhaps we are already used to that mode and slept thru the night, no shouting of 'Aiyo' again! No matter what, we have to get up and continue the relief work today.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATES FROM NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF – 30 APR 2015
- Aids has started to come in to Khokana from other organisations and individuals as well.
- Distribution is conducted in an orderly manner. With proper record and by pooling the food items together, the local community committee distributed the goods according to the compiled priority list. Firstly to the deceased family members, followed by those whom houses are completely damaged, and then the generally affected victims.
We are pleased with the orderly and need-prioritized way of distributions.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATES FROM NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF – 30 APR 2015
“Aiyo! Aiyo! Aiyo!” is the new Nepali word’s that I have learnt in the past few days. People starts running out from their houses, shouting this word and after a while followed by laughter. I thought it meant earthquake but it actually means “Come! Come! Come!”
Praise The Lord that we didn't hear this word anymore in the last two days.
- Earthquake is over, but we are still burdened. The people hearts are not settling. How do they go back to their normal life? Even I myself find it hard to go back to normalcy.
- Many are still mourning over the lost of their loved ones and their possessions.
- Medicines, food and water are still scarce everywhere and the people needed tents desperately.
- At some places, in and out of Kathmandu valley, no aids has been delivered yet especially the villages in the hilly areas.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATES FROM NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF - 29 APR 2015
Good news:
Yesterday the earth stop shaking (or not much felt). There are less tents on the streets and more shops are open. Prayerfully the quake is over and the people are going back to normal life .
ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE DAY from NEPAL- 29 APR 2015
- Seeing that the people starts eating properly is so comforting. Their needs is just that basic!
- I saw the wonderful spirit of Nepali people. They are helping each others in this critical moment and live peacefully in the congested camps. We are still seeing smiling faces even after they have lost their homes and all their possessions. They are just so simple and I am truly amazed!
UPDATES FROM LIFE CARE SOCIETY NEPAL DISASTER RELIEF - 29 APR 2015
To prepare for next two months :
- We need to source for tent suppliers for the sponsoring of tents to the affected homes . Most of the homes are destroyed completely.
- In June, it will be raining season and we just couldn't squeeze 50-100 people into one tent like now. After earthquake, people need to move out from the temporary congested camps and they need shelter that can last long for at least 6 months for each family before the reconstruction of their new house.
Currently, we need big tents to ease congestion in the temporary camps to avoid the spread of disease and illness.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATE ON GROUND FROM KHOKANA VILLAGES - 29 APR 2015
Today we went to another disaster areas the villages are devastated and situation is heart breaking.
There are 8000 people living there in the area . 6 out of 9 wards, 550 house buildings are totally destroyed without a single home left . 11 people died many are injured. Now there is no one dare to walk close to the streets. It is a dead zone now.
The living condition is very bad like the other camps. The affected people are staying in tents which are very congested. More than 80 big and small tents are set up and each camp consist 20-120 people. Hygiene is extremely poor.
- We desperately need more tents to seperate the people, we would need at least 250 tents with the next two days to avoid diseases and illness.
- We can't get the tents today as they are out of supply in everywhere.
- We will distribute more rice, food items and medicines in the next few days.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATE ON GROUND FROM BUGMATI- 28 APR 2015
- Today we distribute rice and food items, medicines and water to the needy families by coupon basis handled by the local community committee. Portion is in accordance to the number of people of each camp.
- We set up a simple medical post with volunteer nurses and doctor from the affected area to provide medicines to the people as needed.
- People start cooking after collecting their share of the items.
- After seeing our good efforts, some local organizations started to contribute and donated different items to the station. It is so encouraging!
ENCOURAGEMENTS FOR THE DAY 28 APR 2015
- There is no chaos in the affected area. all local affected people helping each others
- The locals form our strong volunteer team to help so the distribution will be in an orderly manner. Local doctor and nurses also offer their service and help to set up simple medical post for the people. These people are victims themselves and their own houses have also collapsed.
- A young man told me that their place was devastated, “we lost our home and possessions, we have nothing much to eat, no one help us so far but your organization is the first.”
- Praise God we are there on time.
LIFE CARE SOCIETY UPDATE FROM GROUND WORK - 27 APR 2015
1) The team just came back from the disaster-hit area Bugmati.
2) Thank God for opening doors, and allowing us to help the victims in a systematic and accountable way to avoid uncontrollable situations.
3) We are working with the local community committee and camp leaders to distribute food by camps according to the prioritized needs of each camp. The people collected the food through coupons issued.
4) Tomorrow we will be distributing the supplies together systematically with the local committee and the people will be able to cook in their own camps.
5) We will set up a simple medical post - a few nurses and doctors from the area will volunteer to distribute medical supplies according to the needs. There have been more flu and fewer diarrhea cases due to open toilets n lack of food.
6) The place has about 6500 people, 9 wards and 1500-2000 families. There are about 100 small to big camps of 20-80 people for those whose houses have collapsed and are left with nothing.
7) This way, we can prioritize those who are really in desperate needs.
Let's continue to pray for wisdom and strength to participate at the right time, place and right work to help the people in needs. All glory to God.