Alexandria, VA (April 29, 2015) –Emergency response teams from The Salvation Army are on the ground in Nepal following the devastating earthquake that occurred on Saturday, April 25^th. Response efforts are focused on providing shelter, hydration and emotional and spiritual care. The India Eastern Territory, which oversees Salvation Army work in Nepal, is sourcing food, water and other essentials, which it hopes to transport by road by the end of the week.

The Salvation Army is working alongside government officials and The United Nations, to assess needs and avoid duplication with other relief groups. In the past 72 hours, large encampments of tents have sprung up in open pockets of Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu for those who are displaced or afraid to return home due to strong aftershocks. An initial sum of $20,000 has already been released by The Salvation Army World Service Office to provide 40 tents and a large supply of essentials such as food, water and blankets.

As the disaster unfolds, The Salvation Army’s emergency response will shift to long-term relief and recovery solutions.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 129 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

The Salvation Army is committed to utilize philanthropic gifts in the manner donors desire. Occasionally, conditions in the field may alter relief activities. If this occurs, The Salvation Army will redirect funds to our International relief efforts in the area.

*The Salvation Army is committed to utilize philanthropic gifts in the manner donors desire. Occasionally, conditions in the field may alter relief activities. If this occurs, The Salvation Army will redirect funds to our International relief efforts in the area.