WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2015 – The Peace Corps today announced that all 32 trainees and 53 volunteers are temporarily leaving Nepal and returning to the United States following the devastating earthquake that hit the country on April 25.

The agency will conduct a thorough assessment of volunteers’ sites and conditions throughout the country, including local medical infrastructure, communication systems, transportation and other key support services that are critical to volunteers’ wellbeing in Nepal. Volunteers’ health, safety and security are Peace Corps’ top priorities.

The Peace Corps has enjoyed a long partnership with the Government of Nepal and is committed to continuing volunteers’ work there as soon as possible.

Volunteers in Nepal work with their communities on agriculture projects. More than 3,705 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Nepal since the program was established in 1962.

The Peace Corps family sends its thoughts and prayers to the people of Nepal. To learn more about the U.S. Government’s response in Nepal and how you can help, please visit www.usaid.gov/nepal-earthquake.

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