A magnitude-7.8 earthquake centered less than 50 miles from Kathmandu rocked Nepal with devastating force Saturday, toppling homes, temples and historic buildings and leaving at least 2,500 people dead. In the aftermath of the quake, whole streets and squares in the nation’s capital and largest city were covered in rubble.
Locals and tourists ferreted through mounds of debris in search of survivors. Residents, terrorized by a seemingly endless series of aftershocks, huddled in the cold rain overnight for safety. Dozens of bodies were pulled from the nine-story Dharahara tower, a popular tourist site, that came crashing down during the quake. At least 12 bodies were evacuated from a Mount Everest base camp hit by avalanches.
Tim Hill, Church of God director of World Missions Director sent this message: “Church of God World Missions has established the NEPAL CRISES RELIEF PROJECT NUMBER, 765-0053-008, and will immediately assist with humanitarian response. We will partner with Operation Compassion and others to make a difference in this time of need. Our National Overseer of Nepal, Ram Paudel, has made contact and is safe and already assisting with relief efforts.”
Ken Anderson who is the Unreached People Groups Representative of World Missions and a short-term missions team had been in western Nepal, but flew out two hours prior to the quake. World Missions missionary Scott Rains was in Kathmandu having stayed to be part of a youth service in the evening. Reports are he has been able to contact his family and is assisting in the relief efforts.
“Like all of us, I was shocked, horrified and deeply grief-stricken over the frightening images of the earthquake coming from the country of Nepal,” stated Church of God General Overseer Mark Williams. “We are continually monitoring the situation and receiving reports as they are able to trickle in via a badly damaged communications infrastructure in the region. As we learn more, let’s continue to pray for all affected by this tragedy.”
The church of God has a presence in all four of the affected countries: Nepal, India, Tibet and Bangladesh.
When more reports are known, they will be posted on the website and on social media.
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