Nunavut donating $25,000 to earthquake-struck Nepal

Nunavut premier Peter Taptuna announced $25,000 towards relief efforts in Nepal. (FILE PHOTO)

The Government of Nunavut has donated $25,000 toward relief efforts in Nepal, where a deadly earthquake hit last weekend, killing thousands and leaving hundreds of thousands more without homes.

On April 30, the GN announced it would donate the funds to the Canadian Red Cross to help with urgent relief efforts in the South Asian nation.

“In Sivumut Abluqta, we strive for healthy families and resilient communities,” said Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna, in an April 30 release.

“In times of great disaster, our community extends beyond Nunavut’s borders,” he said. “Today, we help the Nepalese who have been devastated by this event.”

“On behalf of all Nunavummiut, I extend our condolences to all those affected by this tragedy,” Taptuna said. “I encourage all Nunavummiut to help the people of Nepal, however they can.”

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck April 25 near Kathmandu in Nepal, devastating the Himalayan city and triggering an avalanche on nearby Mount Everest, which buried a base camp.

The death toll has climbed to roughly 5,000, while thousands more are injured and homeless.

The Canadian government has committed to match donations to the relief efforts in Nepal dollar-for-dollar until May 25.

Nunavut also responded to the call for help following the 2004 Asian tsunami, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the 2013 typhoon in the Philippines.