Over 100 Australians have been evacuated by the RAAF from Kathmandu to Bangkok overnight, as the aftermath of Nepal’s tragic earthquake last Saturday continues to claim victims while the death toll rises.
According to Fairfax, the RAAF aircraft unloaded emergency supplies at Kathmandu airport before evacuating 106 Australian passengers. Some Australians remain stranded in Nepal, however the Australian ambassador in Nepal confirmed the safety of all Australians they are “aware of” in Nepal currently. Earlier this week, reports emerged over the death of one Australian in the Everest region.
As the week-long mark since the deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal approaches, the death toll in the country rises daily. Today, according to TIME, the official death toll in Nepal stands at 5,800; however, an official claimed that this number could reach as high as 15,000 while recovery continues.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced overnight that donations by Facebook users over two days reached over $10 million, saying, “It is inspiring to see our community coming together to help people in their time of need.”
Channel 7’s ‘Sunday Night’ program has been criticised online for “cashing in” on the Nepalese tragedy, as crew followed Packed To The Rafters actor Hugh Sheridan this week to find his younger brother Zach in the Himalayan region. Zach Sheridan has since been found safe; an extensive report on Sheridan’s search will air this weekend.
SUNDAY: Follow Hugh Sheridan’s journey to find his brother and see how you can help victims of the #Nepal earthquake
https://t.co/gIcRemuke1
— sunday night (@sundaynighton7) April 30, 2015
Overnight, CCTV footage emerged of the devastating moment as the 7.8-magnitude tremor hit Kathmandu’s busy streets. The below video contains some graphic content.
Those wishing to donate to aid Nepal’s earthquake recovery can do so through Oxfam, Facebook, Care.org or The Red Cross, among others. Australia’s Department Of Foreign Affairs And Trade have a 24-hour consular emergency line, which can be contacted on 1300 555 135 from within Australia, of +612 6261 3305 from outside.
via TIME.
Lead image by Omar Havana via Getty Images.
