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Nepal Prime Minister: Earthquake Death Toll Could Reach 10,000

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Apr 29, 2015

Nepal’s prime minister has appealed for help with rescue efforts after a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country Saturday (April 25). Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said that the government is doing all it can to help those affected by the natural disaster, but needs international aid. 

USA Today reports that Koirala also said that the death toll could rise up to 10,000 as search and rescue team continue to pull bodies from the wreckage. Currently, the death toll stands at over 4,600. 

The United Nations estimates 8 million people were affected by the earthquake. 

Koirala told Reuters, "The government is doing all it can for rescue and relief on a war footing. It is a challenge and a very difficult hour for Nepal."

International relief groups have arrived in Nepal with aid supplies including food, clean drinking water, medical supplies and temporary shelter. Still there is an immense amount of work to be done as thousands of homes in Nepal’s remote villages were wiped out in the earthquake. 

American doctor Rebecca McAteer told the AP, 

"In some villages, about 90% of the houses have collapsed. They're just flattened. The immediate need is getting support to where it's needed, but there will be a lot of work rebuilding."

Thomas Meyer of the International Nepal Fellowship said that the country will need help for years following the earthquake. 

"This is a long-term emergency. This will need major attention for the next five years. People have nothing left,” he said. 

To help with Nepal relief efforts, go here.

Publication date: April 28, 2015

Photo courtesy: Wikipedia