Bailiff intends to launch appeal for Nepal

The bailiff of Jersey has announced his intention to launch an appeal to support recovery efforts in Nepal following a catastrophic flash flood last Wednesday.

At least 1,114 people have died and nearly 4,000 are missing according to Nepal's disaster agency.

Robert MacRae - who as Bailiff is chief judicial officer, civic head, and presiding officer of the States of Jersey - said he "commended" the response of Jersey Overseas Aid, which has already donated £200,000 to support the Red Cross.

He said once the "immediate emergency" had passed and there was a clearer picture of long-term recovery plans, he intended to launch a Bailiff's Appeal to raise money from the public.

MacRae said: "The scale of this disaster is truly shocking.

"My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, their homes or their livelihoods, and with the communities whose lives have been changed so suddenly."

On his intention to launch an appeal, he added: "My hope is that we can support something which will have a meaningful and lasting benefit for a community in Nepal, and help them look towards the future after such a devastating event."

MacRae said the appeal would seek to identify a "specific project or area of need" where the generosity of islanders could make a "tangible and lasting difference" to a community as it begins the process of rebuilding.

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