Merton graduates practice yoga in support of Nepal Earthquake Relief

Recent events in Nepal have hit the headlines worldwide, with the first earthquake—magnitude 7.8—on 25 April, and the second that followed on 12 May—magnitude 7.3—leaving 8,600 dead and many more homeless and without basic amenities. However, one month on, only 10% of relief funding has come from overseas, according to Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat. The Financial Tracking Service reports $92.4m has been raised so far - which is only 22% of the required funds. For the next three months, basic relief such as dry food, safe drinking water, toilet and tarpaulins are needed. Many houses are either not habitable or on the brink of collapse and with the approaching monsoon season, people are living in makeshift shelters. Children are unable to return to schools that need to be rebuilt. The key message is the international community has to do more to work together with the Nepali government to reconstruct the country, and will for many years to come.

To provide a small contribution of financial support, we came together with 40 others to practice yoga on Monday 4 May. With the generous teaching of Emmanuel Rossi of Ashtanga Yoga Oxford, we offered solidarity, our prayers and support.

The £225 we raised will go towards relief efforts in Sindhupulchok, one of the worst effected regions, where 187 of the 195 homes have been damaged. Funds will contribute to the requests of local community members to rebuild their homes, and will be coordinated with the Nepali government's efforts.