By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Thousands have died in a massive earthquake that has ravaged Nepal, thousands are injured, and the death toll will likely climb even higher. This is a humanitarian crisis that requires a massive response. The coming months are critical. Supplies are needed and could quickly run out, and getting supplies to affected areas across the mountainous country is difficult with widespread damage to roads and bridges. Hospitals are tending to the injured while services and utilities, already challenged in Asia’s second-poorest country, are disrupted and unreliable. Almost a million-and-a-half people are in need of food assistance and many require temporary shelter. Last week, we held a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the earthquake’s victims and to support Somerville’s Nepali community. Our community will continue to step up to support our friends, neighbors, and Nepali community here and in their native country.

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative has compiled a list of aid groups that send more than 80 percent of their donations to direct aid, if you choose to support relief efforts in that way:

• AmeriCares: Stocks emergency medicine and relief supplies for delivery in times of crisis. An AmeriCares team brought medicine and supplies to Nepal, and is treating those injured in the earthquake.
• Direct Relief: This agency has an emergency response team in and around Kathmandu and is coordinating with the UN and other organizations to provide medical supplies and assistance.

• Handicap International: This agency was already working in Nepal and is providing post-trauma rehabilitation, care for the injured, and medical equipment includes wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and splints.
• Save the Children: Active in Nepal since 1976, this agency has setup a Nepal Earthquake Children’s Relief Fund. Save the Children is providing hygiene kits, shelter and kitchen sets for families.

• Seva Foundation: Active in Nepal for three decades, Seva has a network of clinics and partner hospitals throughout Nepal and is providing assistance in coordination with other organizations.

• Unicef: Working to provide assistance including clean water and shelter, Unicef has been providing tents, hygiene kits, water purification tablets and shelter, in addition to psychological support for children living in temporary camps and shelters.

While we can reach out and support those affected overseas, we should also support those here in our community—members of the Nepali community and especially children, both those directly affected by the tragedy and others who may hear news about the earthquake and have questions or are worried and anxious. The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative also has advice on helping children through this crisis, such as remembering that young children are more likely to show their feelings rather than say what they are feeling outright. Adults can take care to keep the news off when young children are nearby, and remind children that they are safe, they are not alone in feeling confused and sad, and that people from around the world are working to help in Nepal. Children should be offered to share their thoughts and feelings in any way that they are comfortable, and also offered the opportunity to take action by donating money or supplies to help.

Adults should remember to take care of themselves, too. Take a break from the news, eat and drink water. Get enough rest while staying active. Take care of yourself emotionally and socially, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to people. Trauma can impact people differently with a wide range of reactions, all of them normal. The Somerville Trauma Response Network is available at 857-221-0942 and can provide immediate support and connect you with services for children and adults.

I am thankful for all who turned out for last week’s vigil to support those in our community who need it most, and for the support I know we will continue to provide. This is what Somerville does: We come together and we support one another. Let us keep Nepal in our hearts and minds as the country recovers from this tragedy.