Sarid South Asian Earthquake Relief: Direct Action Effort

The victims of the recent earthquake in South Asia are in desperate need of help. As a non-profit, tax exempt, humanitarian organization, South Asia Research Institute for Policy and Development (SARID) is actively working to provide immediate relief, as well as devising plans with other organizations for reconstruction in the future. Our on-site relief coordinators are currently on the ground, working with other aid organizations in the affected areas, to assess the situation and find the most efficient ways to assist.

For immediate relief, those affected desperately need blankets, burial shrouds, tents, and medicine. Through our website, we have started collecting monetary aid from our visitors, friends, and supporters. This money is being sent directly to Edhi where help is being directly distributed by SARID's relief coordinators.

We are proud to note that the entire donations (100%) go towards the relief effort. SARID is bearing all overhead expenses. In order to provide transparency of our work, we not only ask the donors how their money should be channeled, but we also keep them informed about SARID’s relief efforts on our website and via mail.

SARID is also interested in providing these people with a long-term rehabilitation solution so that in the future, devastation to this extent will not occur. Providing the victims as well as others with adequate homes will be just as important as helping them with shelter and food today. Developing affordable housing solutions, along with the sustainable sources of energy is the task SARID is focusing on.

This organization is working with other groups in devising a plan so that there can be a joint effort in the reconstruction of many of the buildings, schools, hospitals, and homes.

Over the past four years SARID has been promoting economic development strategies for South Asia through research, training and small- to intermediate-scale projects. SARID collaborates at the local, national and international level with government agencies, corporations, humanitarian organizations and individuals, who contribute to our efforts by sharing resources, expertise, and donating time, funds and goods.

SARID is confident that implementing and supporting small-scale or intermediate development projects in the region will be the backbone of a more stable, secure, and prosperous South Asia, able to cope with any crisis and disaster, such as this one. Through coordinated efforts with smaller businesses, development and humanitarian organizations in the United States, development strategies can be envisioned and effectively implemented.