One month on from the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April, aid agencies including ChildFund are working hard with local authorities to help children and families across the country who’ve lost homes, schools and loved ones.

The number of people killed has now risen to 8,631, including the 154 people who lost their lives during the second 12 May quake, making it the deadliest disaster ever to hit the small Himalayan nation. Another 16,808 people have been injured.

With monsoon season approaching, hundreds of thousands of families are in urgent need of food, water and shelter. According to government figures, half a million homes have been destroyed and another 269,190 damaged. When schools in Nepal officially reopen on 31 May, almost one million children will be unable to resume their education because their classrooms were destroyed.

ChildFund is providing emergency relief in the two districts where we already operated community development programs; Sindhupalchok, one of Nepal`s worst-hit districts, and Ramechhap where many houses collapsed in the 12 May earthquake. ChildFund’s immediate and long-term response will focus on food, shelter, water and sanitation, child protection, education and livelihoods.

In the video below, Ayush describes, in his own words, what happened when the Anzac Day earthquake hit Nepal and how he and his family are coping.

He says: “I cannot remember all the things but I can just remember my fear. I can remember the thought in my mind: I will surely die.”

No 11-year-old should have to fear dying or lose family and friends. We can’t stop natural disasters but we can help Ayush and his family and others like them to recover, rebuild and be better prepared no matter what the future holds.

Right now ChildFund is providing emergency relief in Ayush’s village. Your donation will help to distribute urgently needed food and shelter.

In addition ChildFund will be supporting children with temporary learning spaces, and trauma support, water and sanitation facilities, and training for parents, teachers and volunteers to protect children and be better prepared for disasters.