The community of Dharhara after Nepal earthquake. Photo by Nirjal stha, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en
A Watertown man is looking to his neighbors in his current hometown to help neighbors in the village where he grew up that suffered major damage in the earthquake that hit Nepal.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake has killed more than 7,000 people, injured 14,000 and left much of the Himalayan nation devastated. The United Nations estimates that 300,000 homes were destroyed in the quake.
Watertown resident Samrat Sengupta has started a GoFundMe.com fundraiser to help his village, Setidovan, Shyangja – located about 140 miles outside of Kathmandu.
“There has been no news coverage or any media presence in my village because it is remote and it is small,” Sengupta wrote on his page. “Due to the damages to the roads and landslides, my village has not had access to any medical or housing assistance. They are in desperate need of help.”
Sam set out to raise $5,000 for food, medical needs and housing. He has already surpassed that amount, so he plans to widen the reach of the aid raised in his campaign.
“My goal is to expand my fundraiser to help children displaced or orphaned by this devastating event,” Sengupta said.
To find out more and to donate, go to: http://www.gofundme.com/t6w3dw