ARLA/CLUSTER: Nepal earthquake update #3

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

The death toll of at least 4,300 people and tens of thousands are
homeless following the 7.9 earthquake that hit Nepal on the weekend is
still engaged in rescue and recovery.

The quake also triggered avalanches on Mt Everest with many climbers
killed or lost.

Jayu VU2JAU the National Coordinator for Disaster Communication in
neighbouring India reported that after the first two days the rescue
teams are still finding it difficult to trace the missing as well as
those who are buried in the ruins.

He said all the officials and police department are working hard among
the chaos to help people.

Jayu VU2JAU said: "More than 2500 people are reported to be untraceable.

As one of hotels was demolished where four doctors were staying, only
one survived and is located in Red Cross camp injured condition. This
is one case but many cases possible like that as the hotel must be
holding many people.

"It was also reported that three places had landslides where
casualties are expected to be more and the list may increase."

He reported that people are stranded in many places like at the
Airport, Base Camps, Indian Embassy and other places.

Nepal HAMs are facing hard situation. Now another two HAMs along with
Satish 9N1AA and Suresh 9N1HA are supported by Pravin 9N1KK and
Akarsha 9N1ZZ, along with VU2DMS joined them in operation," said Jayu
VU2JAU.

The Indian Embassy has arranged busses to evacuate people from various places.

Four buses from Mungaling to Birganj, but face two broken bridges on
the way and passengers are required to change buses and walk. Another
ten buses are running from Pokhara to Mungling since Pokhara reported
maximum casualties.

Four HAMs from Gujarat left for Nepal headed by Zala VU2ZNN. They will
be reaching Nepal today and set up stations at critical places.

Similarly a four-member team of HAMs are expected to reach tomorrow
from North Delhi. Jayu VU2JAU along with Ananda VU2AGJ and Sandip
VU2MUE have decided to set up HF and VHF stations at Gorakhpur on the
Indo-Nepal border.

Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.