CRC Responds to Second Nepal Earthquake

The people of Nepal endured a 7.3 magnitude earthquake at about 1:30 p.m. local time on May 12. The earthquake came just a few weeks after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 8,000 people and left much of the country in ruin.

Christian Reformed World Missions and World Renew staff are safe after this second large earthquake, and reports of deaths are still being recorded.

“We were having lunch in the pastor’s house when the quake hit,” said Grace Wiebe, senior project manager for World Renew who was in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, to coordinate a response to the initial quake.

 “You could feel the depth of it, and the back and forth went on for quite some time. Then the aftershocks were sufficient that we ran out of the house again.”

Tuesday’s earthquake undid any initial feelings of renewed calmness after the April 25 earthquake,  said a CRWM staff member located in Kathmandu.

“Everyone is back outside and sitting with the radios, calling loved ones,” he said. “It has caused many remaining weak structures that have been damaged in the first quake to fall.”

The CRWM staff member added that the the re-opening of many government buildings and schools will be delayed further after the second earthquake, as many of the buildings that remain standing may not be structurally safe.

For the past two weeks, CRWM missionaries in Nepal have been working closely with World Renew on relief efforts in Nepal.

World Renew has sent five staff members and are raising funds for initial and long-term earthquake relief. They are working alongside CRWM and many of its partnering organizations and churches on these efforts.

“We need to organize food, clean water, sanitation, provisional shelter, and finally move toward recovering of permanent shelter as money allows,” says a CRWM staff member.

Outside of Kathmandu, the destruction is even worse, according to reports from World Renew and CRWM staff.

“I’ve seen firsthand the total destruction of whole villages,” said one staff member. “It looks like areas have been bombed.”

Thank you for your prayers and financial support for relief efforts in Nepal. Please continue to pray and give as there is still great need in the country of Nepal.

“I trust I speak for many when I note gratitude for safety during this second earthquake, yet I can't help but express concern—concern for those we love and for thousands and thousands we don't know,” said Steve Timmermans, executive director of the CRCNA. “May the Holy Spirit move mightily, bringing comfort and new life.”