As the death toll resulting from Saturday’s devastating earthquake in Nepal rises to 4,500, many around the world are wondering how they can help the thousands of survivors.

Nepal Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 4,500

On Saturday, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, and aftershocks have continued to plague the country since. Original reports put the death toll at around 1,000, and that has since quadrupled. Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala reportedly said that the death toll could reach up to 10,000.

Aftershocks have made finding shelter increasingly difficult for survivors, according to UNICEF Communications’ Manager Rupa Joshi. Joshi told BuzzFeed News, “People will be lucky if they get a tent; otherwise, they will be exposed to the elements.”

According to UNICEF, their main concern is providing the people of Nepal with shelter, water and sanitation. Unfortunately, aftershocks and potential mud slides in addition to already isolated villages makes providing these basic needs difficult to certain areas.

Red Cross, UNICEF Announce Emergency Response

In the wake of the tragic earthquake, many emergency response organizations, including the American Red Cross and UNICEF, are facilitating online donations. Not only do they accept online donations, but many organizations also set up text numbers, where you can donate with one easy text.

The Red Cross has already begun coordinating its response in Nepal, with the American Red Cross committed to contributing at least $300,000 to the cause.

Care.org has pledged to get emergency shelter and hygiene kits to those in need, specifically in rural areas. According to their website, CARE expects to deliver 250 kits to the rural area of Gorkha on Wednesday. “It’s urgent that we reach these remote areas outside Kathmandu where we’ve heard reports of extensive damage, but access is a huge challenge in these mountainous regions. Some villages have been completely flattened by the quake, and people are in desperate need of basic survival items,” said CARE Country Director in Nepal Lex Kassenberg.

Celebrities Encourage Followers To Donate To Help Nepal

To help bring clean drinking water to those affected by the earthquake, people can donate to Waves For Water, an organization that already has points of contact on the ground in Nepal. Olivia Wilde championed this cause on Twitter in the wake of the Earthquake.

Oxfam is another organization with aid workers on the ground in Nepal. The organization is “providing clean water, toilets and shelter to thousands of people” in Nepal right now.

Selena Gomez, a UNICEF Ambassador, encouraged her Twitter followers to help the children in Nepal by donating to UNICEF, as did actor David Duchovny.

Agents of SHIELD actress Ming-Na Wen also promoted UNICEF on Twitter, telling fans to text ‘Nepal’ to 865233 to donate $10 directly to UNICEF.

Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera urged her followers to donate to the World Food Program, which helps provide food to those in need. She has set up a fund specifically to get food to Nepal.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.