APRIL 30 (Reuters) — Students in India’s financial capital Mumbai held a candlelight vigil on Wednesday (April 29) to express their solidarity with the people of Nepal, hit by the worst earthquake in 81 years.
A powerful earthquake with the 7.9 magnitude quake hit Nepal at midday on Saturday (April 25) followed by several aftershocks, killing over 5,006 people and injuring 10,000 others.
The government has yet to fully assess the devastation wrought by quake, unable to reach many mountainous areas despite aid supplies and personnel pouring in from around the world.
On Wednesday, students from various colleges participated in large number in the vigil and also raised funds.
“We are holding this march to pay our condolences to the victims of Nepal quake. We are also raising money. Many politicians and celebrities are joining us. We are trying to help them to some extent. Our aim is also to inspire people so that they can also come forward and help,” said a student of business management.
Thousands in the Himalayan country are forced to spend the nights outside, setting up makeshift tents, sitting around campfires and eating food provided by volunteers.
“This is the candle march for the Nepal earthquake that has happened, a very disastrous event. Lala Lajpat Rai (college) is supporting this event. We are looking forward to having as many participants as possible and we want to pray for them and for their future,” said student, Anmol.
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has told Reuters the death toll could reach 10,000, with information on casualties and damage from far-flung villages and towns yet to come in.
That would surpass the 8,500 who died in a 1934 earthquake, the last disaster on this scale to hit the Himalayan nation of 28 million people located between India and China. (Mumbai, India)
