Devastation in Nepal

Three days after the 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, the death toll has climbed to more than 4000, and still going up as more  bodies are recovered from collapsed buildings. The quake has also  injured at least 7,000 people, leaving hospitals overflowing and unable to cope with the sheer numbers of injured and sick people.

Vast tent cities have sprung up in Kathmandu for those displaced or afraid to return to their homes, but it is becoming harder for the hundreds of thousands sheltering out in the open. Many are staying in very basic tents with little protection. Water and food are scarce and there are fears that children in particular could be at risk of disease.

Officials have warned that the number of casualties could rise as rescue teams reach remote mountainous areas of western Nepal. Many communities close to the mountains are believed to have suffered significant damage, with fears that entire villages could have been buried by rock falls.

A Nepalese soldier in Dhading, told Reuters.”There is nobody helping people in the villages. People are dying where they are.”

• As a clearer picture emerges of the devastation in Nepal, pray for the country as it struggles to cope and to provide what is needed for survivors.
• Pray for peace on the streets as people run short of food, water and shelter. Pray for those trying to help, that aid will arrive where it is most needed, including the remote villages.
• Pray for the Nepal Christians and Christian aid organisations, that even in the midst of the chaos they will have peace and be able to witness to the Love of God in the midst of tragedy.

Isaiah 61 vs 1 – 2: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me … to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve … “

Source: http://www.bbc.com