Rotary Club chips in for survivors of Nepal earthquakes

KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the Rotary Club of Malaysia donated RM6,000 out of their own pockets to Mercy Malaysia to help its on-going Nepal earthquake relief efforts.
Mercy Malaysia executive committee member Harmandar Singh said the organisation appreciates every bit of help the public is offering, but noted that it is best to contribute money rather than equipment or food.
"With food or equipment, we will need to work out how to get it there, but with cash, we only need to channel it to the right places," Harmandar told reporters after receiving a mock cheque from the club today.
He said it is easier to purchase supplies in Nepal instead of shipping them from Malaysia.
Mercy Malaysia's team of 34 volunteers has been in Nepal since April 29, just days after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Kathmandu on April 25, killing more than 8,000 with thousands more missing.
Nepal was hit by a second earthquake on May 12, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, but fortunately did not kill as many nor cause as much damage.
Harmandar said Mercy Malaysia is conducting relief and recovery operations in Nepal by setting up a field hospital near the capital.
"Medical relief remains the core of our operation and there are still people there who need medical help. We have personnel on the ground to help them," he said.