ADRA Emergency Director: “Pray for Victims of Earthquake in Nepal”
Updated on April 25 at 3:44 p.m.
KATHMANDU, NEPAL— A 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal about 50 miles from its capital, Kathmandu, on Saturday, leveling buildings and killing hundreds. News sources are reporting 1,400 deaths so far, with the death toll rising.
The earthquake hit around midday local time, flattening buildings while locals and tourists scrambled to get outside into open spaces. Tremors have been felt as far from the epicenter as New Delhi.
“First reports suggest that the destruction is widespread and devastating,” said Thierry Van Bignoot, ADRA’s Director for Emergency Management. “At this time, we ask for your prayers for the people of Nepal and for our team on the ground. We are in the process of finding out more about what’s happened there.”
All ADRA staff has been accounted for and are safe.
“I praise God that the ADRA staff is all safe, however, they need our prayers, as do the people of Nepal at this sad time,” said Robert Patton, ADRA’s Emergency Management Advisor in an email communication today. “At this time we know that up to 80 percent of houses closest to the epicenter of the earthquake are damaged or destroyed.”
More information to come as the story develops.
