Members of the global groundwater community have asked the National Ground Water Assn. (NGWA) what they may do to assist the stricken in Nepal, or elsewhere in the world where a natural disaster strikes. NGWA identified two organizations as good starting points.
Both the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have areas on their websites where individuals or organizations can donate expertise or money.
Three critical needs following natural disasters are medical help, drinking water and food.
“One of the best ways to help is to go through established organizations involved in coordinated relief. This minimizes problems that sometimes occur during relief efforts when well-intentioned organizations rush in independently and add to the chaos,” said NGWA Public Awareness Director Cliff Treyens. “USAID and IFRC are well-established organizations that are working in a coordinated fashion with the government of Nepal.”
NGWA has members in the U.S. and internationally, many of whom are involved in humanitarian efforts to provide safe drinking water to people who need it. As a trade and professional association, NGWA’s members include water well system professionals, scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and suppliers of equipment and materials used in the groundwater industry.
“We encourage all our members and the public to consider supporting relief efforts in Nepal,” Treyens said.
Source: National Ground Water Assn.
