On Saturday, a strong earthquake struck Nepal killing thousands. Latest estimates put the death toll at around five thousand individuals. Now is a crucial time for relief efforts as the golden window to rescue survivors elapses. In response, Microsoft is will make Skype calls for mobiles and landlines both to and from Nepal completely free of charge. Microsoft also made a donation to NetHope, organizations that specialize in providing connectivity to developing nations. The funds will go directly toward crisis response operations.
You can read the company’s statement on the tragedy below.
Microsoft is deeply saddened by the devastating events of the Nepal earthquake and we extend our deepest sympathies to all whom have been impacted. We are providing a minimum of $1 million in donations of cash, technology and services to the rescue and recovery effort in Nepal.
This includes an immediate monetary donation to NetHope – a consortium of 40+ international non-governmental organizations that specializes in improving IT connectivity among humanitarian organizations in developing countries and areas affected by disaster – to support the nonprofit’s deployment and response operations.
In addition, we want to help provide people with alternative methods of communication to reach friends and family in the region during this difficult time and therefore, we are making all Skype calls to landlines and mobiles in and out of Nepal free of charge, with immediate effect.
As well, we have activated our internal Microsoft employee Giving web site to encourage and match donations from Microsoft employees to first-responder organizations in the region, including American Red Cross, Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, Mercy Corps and World Vision.
Finally, we are in the midst of direct conversations with government officials, nonprofits and businesses in the region to determine the best deployment of our technology in this time of need and hour by hour, we will continue to assess how our technology and people can help with the rescue and relief efforts in Nepal.
If you would like to help, you can do so write here after selecting the organization you wish to give funds to.
Source: Microsoft Disaster Response
Asher Madan is a games journalist, former News Writer (Gaming) at Windows Central. They contributed 182 articles to ICXM in 2015, focused on Windows and PC, and Xbox news: joined Future plc’s Windows Central in 2017 covering Xbox news, hardware, and reviews.