The recent major earthquake in Nepal has devastated a country that was already doing it tough as it was. The death toll is continuing to climb as search and rescue teams reach remote villages, and life has been completely disrupted for hundreds of thousands of people who survived. What makes it worse, is that the average Nepalese person doesn't have insurance, may not have a bank account or savings, and lacks the resources to easily bounce back from a disruptive event like this.
For these reasons and more, the international response to the earthquake is essential. People around the world have been generously donating to earthquake fundraising appeals, but the reaction of governments is also crucial. The UK Government, as one of the world's most generous and innovative aid donors, has responded quickly, sending people and supplies to help reduce the suffering of the Nepalese people, and assisting in the search for trapped survivors.
But don't take my word for it, check out these photos!
An RAF C-17 aircraft is bound for Nepal on 27 April 2015 loaded with humanitarian aid supplies for victims of the Nepal earthquake. Picture: Sgt Neil Bryden/RAF
Specialist search and rescue equipment arrives in Kathmandu, Nepal. Picture: Deepti Soni/FCO
John Ball and his dog Darcy from the UK's International Search and Rescue team go to work in Chautara, Sindhupalchok District – north east of Kathmandu, Nepal. They are the first search and rescue team to reach the earthquake-hit district, searching for survivors and providing medical support on the scene. Picture: Jessica Lea/DFID
UK aid shelter kits are being distributed to thousands of people who have lost their homes in remote parts of Nepal. Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID
John Ball and his dog Darcy from the UK's International Search and Rescue team go to work in Chautara, Sindhupalchok District – north east of Kathmandu, Nepal. Picture: Jessica Lea/DFID
Search and rescue dogs, looking very smart in their jackets, gear up for their quest to find earthquake survivors. Picture: Jessica Lea/DFID
The UK's International Search and Rescue team go to work in Chautara, Sindhupalchok District – north east of Kathmandu, Nepal. Picture: Jessica Lea/DFID
A Nepalese family start to fix a UK aid tarpaulin to the roof of their temporary shelter in Sindhupalchowk district, about 40 miles from Kathmandu. Their home, which used to stand nearby, was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake. Picture: Russell Watkins/DFID
A DFID (the UK Department for International Development) staff member supervises the unloading of UK aid from an RAF C-17 aircraft in Kathmundu, Nepal on the 29 April 2015. Picture: Sgt Neil Bryden/RAF