The death toll for the deadly Nepalese earthquake has reached a staggering 3,218, with experts warning that the numbers could reach up to 10,000.
The earthquake, which struck on Sunday, has devastated Nepal and ripped through Tibet and parts of India, causing severe damage to property, including the destruction of the historic, 183-year-old Dharahara Tower in Nepal. More than 6,500 have been confirmed injured, with more being found every hour.
The Dharahara Tower reduced to a 10-meter stump.
The earthquake measured 7.8 on the magnitude scale and caused a massive avalanche on Mt. Everest, entombing those who were making the climb. Included in the dead, is one Australian who was at the base camp of Mt. Everest. The climber was among a group intending to make the ascent, when they were trapped underneath an avalanche.
The climber, however, isn’t the only Australian feared dead. Packed to the Rafters actor, Hugh Sheridan, traveled to the region yesteraday in search of his younger brother, Zachary who was hiking at the time.
“I will be with a small crew helping with a chopper, dr [doctor] and we will have a satellite phone available for any Australian there who needs to reach home and tell their loved ones they’re ok,” said Sheridan, “I know so many of us are still waiting to hear, but communication is down. Stay positive everyone, I feel optimistic that he is alive and stuck.”
Authorities have also confirmed that over 850 Australians were in the region at the time of the quake.
Locals search through the rubble.
For those who are unaccounted for, Australia’s Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, reassured families not to “assume the worst”.
“Australians do go trekking in that part of the world and because someone is trekking in that part of the world we shouldn’t assume the worst,” Mr Abbott said, “Yes, there are Australians who are unaccounted for, and people whose family members, friends or loved ones are known to be in Nepal and northern India should at first do their best to make contact with them.”
The Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, confirmed that communications between Australia and Nepal have been difficult, due to damaged phone lines and infrastructure, but that both countries are trying hard to re-establish communication.
Locals light candles in memoriam.
If you or anyone you know has family or friends in Nepal, you should attempt to contact them directly. If that fails, call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on (02) 6261-3305 or, within Australia, on 1300 555 135 (local call cost).
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