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Samaritan's Purse sending 105 tons of supplies to Nepal

By Stephanie Coueignoux
By Stephanie Coueignoux

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 747 filled with supplies from Samaritan's Purse is heading to Nepal Tuesday where millions are still reeling from two massive earthquakes.

Ken Isaacs with Samaritan's Purse recently returned from Nepal, and described the devastation to Eyewitness News Reporter Stephanie Coueignoux.

"When you fly over the countryside, what you see are thousands of villages totally destroyed," Isaacs said.

Millions of people in Nepal are now in dire need after last month's devastating earthquakes.

Many have not only lost their homes, but their loved ones. The death toll now stands at 8,000 people.

"Your heart goes out to these people. You are compelled to help," Dr. Lance Plyler said.

Samaritan's Purse officials loaded up this 747 with 105 tons of heavy duty plastic sheeting.

Channel 9 was able to go inside the plane once that cargo was loaded.

The plastic will be made into tents, providing shelter for 100,000 people.

This comes just a month before monsoon season is set to hit the region.

Plyler said during that time, the region gets up to 8 inches of rain every day.

"Protection from the elements is essential. This plastic is really lifesaving," Plyler said.

It's not just protection from the elements, but also from illness.

Plyler said all of that rain can easily spread water-borne illnesses.

Isaacs said it is crop growing season and the Nepalese are now trying to rebuild their homes while growing enough food to last the winter.

He said they want to do all they can to help as quickly as possible.

Samaritan's Purse has committed resources for another two to five years to help in the recovery process.

It has already sent over medical teams, hygiene kits and food.

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