International Medical Corps is responding to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Nepal less than 50 miles from the capital of Kathmandu at 11:41am local time. Reports show at least 2,400 people have died and the death toll is expected to climb much higher as rescue efforts are still in the early stages. Reports from the region show widespread damage. Aftershocks shook the region for several hours after the initial earthquake. Search and rescue operations are underway and hospitals in the capital have been inundated with patients. Medicines and supplies are expected to be depleted quickly. Communications with the region are limited.
International Medical Corps’ Emergency Response team leader Sean Casey is on the ground in Nepal and coordinating the organization’s emergency response. “The earthquake was incredibly powerful and the devastation in Kathmandu is considerable. Our team is gathering supplies and heading west towards the epicenter of the quake to provide support.”
International Medical Corps is sending additional staff and resources to support relief efforts.
International Medical Corps has extensive experience in the region and has responded to the Pakistan earthquake in 2005, the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and the Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011.