The Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) has decided to organise an earthquake relief fund following the April 25 earthquake that devastated Nepal. The Association has appealed to the Indian advertising fraternity to chip in and help out, and has said that the relief fund effort would be in co-ordination with the Nepal government.
The toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal about a week ago has crossed 7,500. There are many villages across Nepal where almost all of the houses have been destroyed, notes Ujaya Shakya, vice president of AAN.
Stating that Kathmandu Valley, which was once a city of temples, has been now reduced to a city of tents, Shakya pointed out in the statement that it was a very unfortunate time for Nepalese people, who are still living with fear at every aftershock.
The earthquake has struck Nepal on several levels. "Personally, culturally, historically and socially, it has been a devastation. The future of tourism itself is threatened, which is the livelihood for certain section of Nepalese," he said.
"Along with terrible loss of life, the country has suffered severe damage of Durbar Squares, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in all three important cities within Kathmandu valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur. Ancient townships with a public square preserved almost intact for centuries, is now in ruins. These cultural sites are part of the skeleton of Kathmandu valley, and the focal point for urban Nepal," Shakya points out, adding that there is also the economic aspect of these sites, because almost 10 per cent of Nepal’s economy depends on tourism.
AAN is to coordinate with the Nepal government to accumulate an earthquake relief fund. All member agencies of the association are contributing to the fund. Shakya noted in the statement: ``We would like to appeal to the international community to come forward and help Nepal in every possible way during this tragic time."
Shakya has said that if anyone wants to help Nepal, they can reach out to the AAN Office in Kathmandu, and can be guided further. Funds can also be sent to Outreach Nepal, and details could be got on ujaya@outreachnepal.com.