The UN estimates that 8 million people in the South Asian country could be affected and the death toll could eventually reach 10,000. Many people are still feared to be trapped underneath rubble.

Oxfam already has teams working at four open air sites in the Kathmandu Valley, delivering safe water to people for drinking, washing and cooking, and digging holes for emergency latrines.

Over the coming days, the international aid agency will be expanding its efforts to a further 16 open air sites, which have been set up by the Nepalese government, and spreading its relief efforts outside of Kathmandu.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have suddenly been left without adequate food, water, shelter and medical care. They are understandably desperate. We need to act fast,” said Jane Cocking, Oxfam’s humanitarian director.

“The damage to the infrastructure is huge and is making delivering aid quickly really challenging; we are now beginning to reach out outside the centre of the Kathmandu Valley and looking into the needs of more remote areas.”

Prospect’s partnership with Oxfam stretches back 25 years and is a testament to the generosity and support of our members.

You can show your solidarity with the people of Nepal by making a donation to the emergency appeal on a special Prospect members’ webpage created by Oxfam.