Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement regarding the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal:

“On behalf of the residents of San Francisco, I, again, extend my thoughts and prayers to the people of Nepal and those responding to this devastating earthquake. I would like to express our City’s deepest condolences to the families and friends of those injured or killed.

San Francisco stands ready to support any international assistance effort to help the children and families in Nepal that are suffering and help them to recover and rebuild. San Franciscans understand the destructive power of earthquakes, and we stand ready to assist in providing aid to those most in need.

The best way to help those affected is to make a monetary donation to a reputable humanitarian organization responding to this disaster. Donate at sfgivesback.org.

This is another stark reminder that we must always be prepared for the next disaster to ensure our families are safe and the City’s need to strengthen our emergency infrastructure. We know disasters, whether it is an earthquake, tsunami, or something human made, can happen at any time with little or no warning. That is why it is important to take steps now so you are ready for any emergency.”

Mayor Lee urges all San Franciscans to visit sf72.org to learn how to prepare and to join your Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT).