Nepal Toll Hits 2,200

As first avalanche survivors are flown off Everest
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 26, 2015 6:02 AM CDT
Nepal Toll Hits 2,150
Nepalese people gather to cremate family members who fell victim to Saturday's earthquake, in Bhaktapur, Nepal, Sunday, April 26, 2015. A powerful, magnitude 6.7 aftershock shook the Kathmandu area of Nepal on Sunday, a day after the massive earthquake devastated the region and destroyed homes and infrastructure....   (Niranjan Shrestha)

A powerful aftershock shook Nepal today, making buildings sway and sending panicked Kathmandu residents running into the streets a day after a massive earthquake left more than 2,200 people dead. The cawing of crows mixed with terrified screams as the magnitude 6.7 aftershock pummeled the capital city this afternoon, even as planes from neighboring countries began arriving. "The aftershocks keep coming ... so people don't know what to expect," said Nepal's country head for global aid agency Mercy Corps. "All the open spaces in Kathmandu are packed with people who are camping outdoors. When the aftershocks come you cannot imagine the fear. You can hear women and children crying." In other developments:

  • Pope Francis called for assistance for the survivors during his weekly Sunday blessing. He said he was praying for the victims, the injured and "all those who are suffering from this calamity," and asked that they have the "support and fraternal solidarity" they need. The Vatican secretary of state yesterday sent a formal telegram of condolences seeking to encourage rescue crews and comfort the survivors.
  • International Search and Rescue Germany said a team of 52 relief workers including doctors, experts trained in searching for people buried under rubble, and several dog squads are flying in today. The team will bring with them a mobile medical treatment center. France is sending 11 rescuers and emergency equipment to Kathmandu.
(More earthquake stories.)

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