The travel industry continues to ramp up support for Nepal, following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which destroyed buildings and road and left thousands of people dead.
Overnight, the death toll in Nepal climbed to 4,6000, however, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala told Reuters the death toll could reach 10,000.
This figure would surpass the 8,500 people who died in a 1934 earthquake, formerly the biggest natural disaster in the Himalayan nation.
“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.”
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala
Disaster expert from the Polish Center for International Aid, which as six medical staff and 81 firefighter in Nepal, said after the initial 72 hours the survival rate drops. We’re now on day five.
“On the fifth day it’s next to zero.”
Wojtek Wilk, Polish Center for International Aid NGO
Despite the harsh reality, international governments continue to send aid and foreign rescue teams to the destination to assist.
Yesterday, Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop said Australia would send military aircraft with humanitarian aid as well as humanitarian experts to assist with health coordination and needs assessment.
The aircraft will then be used to fly out stranded Australians having difficulty booking a seat on packed commercial flights.
Meanwhile, the travel industry is also showing its support for the destination and its people by setting up appeals and fundraisers.
The Intrepid Group and G Adventures have set up fundraising appeals, with large targets that are already being met.
Last night, Intrepid told KarryOn through a tweet that thanks to the generosity of the public, its appeal “smashed the $200K commitment”.
Thanks to the team @karryontravel With the generosity of so many we smashed the $200k commitment about an hour ago! http://t.co/sqlGzyiMOq
— Peter Rawley (@Peter_Rawley) April 28, 2015
United Airlines said it is working with the American Red Cross, Americares, Airlink and Operation USA to provide aid to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal.
The airline is providing one-time mileage bonus to MileagePlus member who donates. Read on
Meanwhile, the Northern Territory Government has confirmed that it too is pitching in to help victims of the Nepal earthquake, by deploying medical personnel to the emergency zone.
A doctor from the Royal Darwin Hospital has been deployed as part f a small number of medical personnel by the Australian Government to assist health coordination and needs assessment in Nepal.
The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre was tasked by Australian Government to put together the medical needs assessment team.
Dr Brian Spain is a specialist doctor who is expected to arrive on an ADF aircraft in Kathmandu on Thursday.
He will join a doctor from Western Australian in assessing the medical needs on behalf of the Australian Government.
The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre remains on standby to deploy an AusMAT at the direction of the Australian Government.
On behalf of all Territorians, the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Adam Giles, made a $10 000 donation to their appeal, which is being run in conjunction with Darwin Community Arts.
In addition to the loss of life, Kathmandu has suffered widespread building and structural damage, that even saw ancient structures crumbled into dust.
See below for a before and after look at destination’s top tourist spots:
Before: Dharahara Tower
After: Dharahara Tower
Before: Patan Durbar Square
After: Patan Durbar Square
Before: Temples of Durbar
After: Temples of Durbar
