Local Chicagoans Reaching Out To Help Victims Of Nepal Earthquake
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Local Chicagoans with ties to Nepal are working to find out how they can help those affected by the 7.8 magnitude quake.
The quake, which originated outside the capital Kathmandu, was the worst tremor to hit the poor South Asian nation in over 80 years. It was so powerful that it was felt all across the northern part of neighboring India, Bangladesh, Tibet and Pakistan where a total of 50 people died. The death toll in Nepal was 1,130, but it is almost certain to rise, said deputy Inspector General of Police Komal Singh Bam.
Bishnu Phuyal is president of the Nepali American Center based in Mt. Prospect. There are more than 800 families from Nepal in the Chicago area, he said.
He says his family in Nepal is safe, adding that there are several hundred families with ties to Nepal.
Phuyal said that a home he owns there sustained some damage.
"My immediate family and relatives are all safe," he said.
He said it was hard to get a hold of his family members at first because power lines are down and many people were outside their homes.
Phuyal said he spoke with his family and they said they were still feeling tremors.