This is a continuation of Nepal Earthquake Relief, which was posted on this blog yesterday.
The Ghurkas have the best interest of the people in Nepal in mind and they use the funds that you and others donate to directly purchase rice, oil, salt and other kinds of food that is available or produced locally in other parts of Nepal that weren't impacted by the earthquake. In this way they get the most value for the money spent and support local businesses at the same time. They are also purchasing material to shelter and protect both the displaced population and food from the annual monsoon that will last for the next two or three months.
The government of Nepal has a reputation for corruption much like most third world countries. The elite dip their beaks at the expense of the people who need help. The government denied landing rights for three British CH-44 Chinook helicopters, which would be used for transportation and to distribute aid directly to impacted areas. There is one airport in Nepal and the Nepalese are using that as a choke point for incoming aid that they will distribute themselves. All inbound material aid is immediately subject to a 10% cash tax and then the inevitable pilfering and profiteering takes place in the government's distribution network.
Outnumbered.
Feel free to e-mail Bishnu Tamang at bishnu@gss4u.co.uk for any details that you may need.
And thank you on behalf of the people of Nepal for whatever you are able to do.