SAFE WATER FOR NEPAL

Posted by Bruce Halloran (Denver Southeast) brucehalloran@comcast.net

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25th at noon. Recovery efforts were hindered by rain and aftershocks. Over 7,000 people have been killed, and over 12,000 injured in the Kathmandu area. Many are homeless and afraid to return to buildings. In Bhaktapur 4,000 homes are deemed unsafe or destroyed. Kathmandu is in a valley in the center of the country with a population of 3 million people. The earthquake cut off the valley from other areas due to road heaving and landslides, but the airport is open. Filters for Families is raising funds for Sawyer water filters. Safe water is a key issue in disaster situations. Sewage and water pipes exist together in trenches. Earthquakes shift the ground and pipes break, causing cross contamination.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 for the purchase and distribution of 300 filters, providing safe water in communities and hospitals while the city water system is restored. As the water crisis worsens, vendors are selling 20 cent one liter water bottles for $5 - a good day’s wage. Each contribution of $50 provides one filter that will help ~30 people for decades. Filters for Families has set up three distribution centers in Kathmandu Valley. Filters will be tracked by GPS, mapped and maintained. Dr. Linda Smith will depart for Nepal on May 19, hand-carrying 300 filters. Buckets will be purchased in Kathmandu, depending on the size of the community need with different size storage buckets. The on the ground team will identify locations to set up the filters where communities either have water nearby or can haul it. Filters for Families (FFF) has provided safe water in Nepal for over 12 years, and is a 501C3, tax deductible organization.

Please send your tax deductible donations payable to Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Foundation.

Mail to:

2800 S. University Drive, Unit 4
Denver, CO 80210
c/o John Wetherington, Treasurer