Mark Zuckerberg says Facebook users were quick to answer the call for donations to aid earthquake recovery efforts in Nepal. More than $10 million was contributed via the social network's Donate button since it was placed temporarily atop users' News Feed.
Facebook will also donate $2 million of its own money, with all contributions going to the International Medical Corps' mobile first-aid units.
"It is inspiring to see our community coming together to help people in their time of need," Zuckerberg wrote today on his personal Facebook profile. "We're grateful to be serving you, and for all your efforts to support those affected by the Nepal earthquake."
The nonprofit International Medical Corps was effusive in its thanks to both Facebook and the many users who donated to their efforts.
"The unparalleled power of Facebook's extraordinary network has mobilized $10 million for families suffering from the devastating Nepal earthquake," the organization wrote on its Facebook page. "Facebook Community—we thank you! International Medical Corps is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support! We will immediately deploy these funds to provide lifesaving medical care, medicines and supplies to the hardest-hit communities. As the needs continue to grow, together, we will reach more people in Nepal with critical services and hope."
The death toll from Saturday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the Himalayan nation continues to rise, with one army official saying today that as many as 15,000 may have perished.
Zuckerberg said he's been honored to see so many of Facebook's features and apps being used by those involved in recovery.
"In times of crisis, the need to connect and share becomes even more critical," he wrote. "WhatsApp and Messenger are being used in Nepal and across the region to get help. Aid workers are using Groups to coordinate and figure out how to get to affected areas. Journalists and media outlets are using Instagram as their primary way to share photos of the events."
Also, the network's Safety Check app was used by 7 million residents of the region to let loved ones know they were safe, with more than 150 million friends being notified.
Today's announcement of the Nepal donations marks the first time Facebook has revealed the amount donated by users. It has not released the amount given via the Donate button in late 2014, when the option was used to raise funds for Ebola treatment in Africa.
