Aid to Nepal: Food, Water, Blankets & Tarps

The April 25, 2015 Nepal earthquake rocked the village of Barpak and many towns surrounding it, killing more than 8,000 people and injuring upwards of 19,000. The aftermath has left many Nepali people without the essentials, including food, water, blankets and shelter. Often overlooked, tarps are another fundamental relief aid that can drastically improve the community’s rebuilding, providing temporary shelter, storage, shade, privacy and flooring. Here are some ways tarps can help aid in relief efforts in Nepal.

Shelter

The 7.8-MMS earthquake devastated thousands of homes and flattened entire neighborhoods. The broad-spanning effects of the quake even triggered building foundation issues, like cracked walls, as far as 700 miles away. Tarps are favored among relief groups over tents because they can quickly help survivors construct a shelter. A tarp can easily be draped over a tree branch or over the remains of a structure — such as a house or a wall — to serve as a wall or a roof.

Storage  

Following a devastating event, tarps are often delivered alongside food, water and personal hygiene products. Because the earthquake destroyed so many of the community’s vital structures, like homes, schools and neighborhood resource centers, these essentials are often left open to the elements. Tarps can help protect these goods until permanent structures are rebuilt. The Nepal earthquake affected many remote communities in Nepal’s steep Himalayan foothills, making it difficult to deliver materials to quickly rebuild homes.

Other uses

Because tarps are so versatile, water-resistant and UV-resistant, they can also be used to help collect water, create temporary flooring, block out the sun, create walls and curtains for privacy, and to insulate. There are so many unique ways to use a tarp to help people in need that it should be considered a vital relief tool alongside food and water.

How to Help

Sending a tarp to Nepal is one of the most powerful ways you can directly help the country’s people rebuild their communities. UV-resistant polyethylene tarps are great for a wide variety of applications, so they’re a great and affordable option for relief. Make donations to trusted humanitarian and development organizations, such as UNICEF or the International Medical Corps, and suggest that your donation goes to the supply of tarps.