Updated at 12:05 p.m., April 28, 2015
A candlelight vigil is scheduled Tuesday evening at UC San Diego for the victims of the massive earthquake in Nepal, where the death toll has climbed above 4,300, with almost 8,000 injured.
The magnitude-7.8 quake struck near the capital of Kathmandu on Saturday, and its effects were widespread — killing victims in neighboring India and Tibet and triggering an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed at least 18 climbers.
Eight million people have been affected by the temblor, according to the United Nations, and Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has warned that his nation’s death toll could reach 10,000.
The vigil, organized by the Nepalese Student Association, is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the Geisel Library on the UCSD campus.
Three San Diegans reported missing following the quake were reported to be safe Tuesday.
Dawn Lightfoot and Matt Schiavon, a Cardiff couple touring Asia after teaching for two years in South Korea were reported to be safe by their tour company, which emailed Lightfoot’s sister, according to NBC7/39.
Stephen Kennedy, a 33-year-old Jamul native backpacking near Mount Everest communicated with his sister via Facebook, CBS8 reported.
San Diego-based relief organizations are working to provide assistance to the region.
International Relief Teams said it has ordered up a shipment of medicines, which will be flown from the Netherlands to Nepal, where it should arrive by the middle of the week.
The group said partners on the scene will keep IRT updated on what’s needed in the Himalayan country.
IRT, best known for sending volunteers to rebuild homes following natural disasters, is accepting donations online at www.irteams.org, or by mail at International Relief Teams, Attn: Nepal Earthquake, 4560 Alvarado Canyon Road, Suite 2G, San Diego, Calif., 92120.
The Rescue Task Force is providing support to the work of volunteers in Asia who are on their way to the quake-stricken area.
Restore International has started a relief fund for victims of the earthquake. The organization runs an orphanage for girls in Kathmandu, and reported that the residents are safe.
—City News Service
