Death Toll Still Rising for Nepal Earthquake

Recovery efforts continue in Nepal after a huge earthquake rocked the area, devastating buildings and killing many.

The latest update from Nepal Police shows a death toll that’s risen to 2489 people. In addition, the department reports that 7479 are injured from the quake. Aftershocks have continued in the area, ranging from 4.1 to a strong 6.7 on the Richter scale. The original earthquake measured at 7.8.

(Photo Credit: Carl Whetham/IFRC)

Aid agencies have begun their support, and the Nepal Red Cross Society is helping in search and rescue efforts as well as giving first aid to people who are injured. According to the Red Cross, main hospitals in Kathmandu are still functioning, though they are at capacity. The continuing aftershocks are causing risk of further damage to buildings and creating fear in those in the area.

“We are extremely concerned about the fate of communities in towns and villages in rural areas closer to the epicenter,” said Jagan Chapagain, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Director for Asia Pacific. “Access roads have been damaged or blocked by landslides and communications lines are down, preventing us from reaching local Red Cross branches to get accurate information. We anticipate that there will be considerable destruction and loss of life.”

(Photo Credit: Carl Whetham/IFRC)

“We do not yet know the scope of the damage, but this is could be one of the deadliest and most devastating earthquakes since the 1934 tremor which devastated Nepal and Bihar,” said Chapagain. “People will need considerable support including food, water, medical care and emergency shelter.”

Canada is also helping with aid efforts, contributing $5 million towards humanitarian assistance funding. “Our officials in the region are working with Nepalese and Indian authorities to ensure that any Canadians affected by the earthquake are safe and accounted for,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “In cooperation with international partners, they are also assessing the needs of the affected populations to determine how Canada may most effectively assist with the disaster if asked to help.”

You can donate to humanitarian aid in Nepal through the Red Cross here.