A plea for emergency relief has come direct to Helston based charity ShelterBox from a Rotary contact in Kathmandu, Nepal, close to the epicentre of a 7.8 magnitude quake that is thought to have claimed over 1,100 lives. A ShelterBox response team is on its way.

As details emerge of this morning’s 7.8 magnitude (classified ‘Major’) earthquake between the cities of Pokhara and Kathmandu in Nepal, Cornwall-based disaster relief charity has been in touch with in-country agencies, and with a contact who was an eyewitness to the devastation.

Early reports indicate widespread destruction, particularly of old buildings, churches, and traditional mud brick housing. News agencies say the death toll already stands at over 3,000. ShelterBox has already made arrangements for a response team to head for Nepal.

Ashish Chaulagain is a student, and works at the Engineering College in the capital, Kathmandu. Ashish is also a Rotaracter, a member of a Rotary International’s youth programme. He emailed his ShelterBox contact, Operations Coordinator Dave Ray this morning, saying, ‘The situation is that, the environment is filled with fear. Still there is expectation of more tremors, and the weather forecast has also said to be alert…. There is much damage in Kathmandu. Emergency relief is required that is for sure. Shall update you more soon if the telecommunication remains intact. Flights are grounded for now.’ Ashish has reassured Dave that his own family is safe for now, though there are reports of up to 15 aftershocks as far afield as Pakistan, Bangladesh and in neighbouring India. It has also triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest. The main quake has been classified as ‘Major’, the second worst on the Richter scale, described as ‘Causing damage to most buildings, some to partially or completely collapse or receive severe damage. Well-designed structures are likely to receive damage. Felt across great distances.’ ShelterBox has been active in Nepal in recent months responding to major flooding and landslides.

Dave Ray says, ‘We have good contacts within Nepal, both in the Rotary network and with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and other agencies. The team and Operations are already talking to these people and organisations to see where to help.’ ‘The humanitarian community has been concerned for some time about the possibility of a major earthquake affecting the Kathmandu Valley. We have decided to be forward looking and deploy a team straight away. We have aid already prepositioned in Nepal - ShelterBoxes and tents. We will potentially offer these to be used in the first place if needed for clinics etc, but once arrived the team will be looking to see how we can provide shelter in the immediate aftermath.’