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Caritas/Twitter
World News

Hundreds take refuge in Nepal churches

Almost four thousand people are now known to have died after the quake which has destroyed entire villages and left parts of the capital Kathmandu devastated.

Christian charity Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), which is working with Caritas in Nepal, told Premier hundreds of thousands of people had been left homeless.

Caritas said its members, which also includes CAFOD, have pledged 2.5 million euros to the relief effort.

It said that 10,000 shelter kits and 3,000 tarpaulin tents will arrive tomorrow.

Survivors told the charity they went to local churches because they knew they would be offered support.

Qurnain, a 15-year-old, said: "We came to the church because we know a lot people here so we can be together and help each other out."

Renuka, 54, added: "We feel safe in the church premise and thankful to Caritas Nepal for the tent".

Xinhua News Agency/REX

SCIAF Director Alistair Dutton said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nepal. Our partners are already helping to rescue survivors and have provided tarpaulins for people to sleep under.

"They are also giving out food, clean water, blankets and soap. We are liaising closely with Caritas in Nepal and will do whatever we can to help them.

"The prayers, solidarity and generosity of the Scottish people are crucial to SCIAF's response.

"I would urge everyone to join us in praying for the deceased and their loved ones, and give what they can so that we can get aid to those who need it most and help them make a full recovery in the weeks and months ahead."

Xinhua News Agency/REX

Caritas Australia Programmes Coordinator for Nepal, Eleanor Trinchera, said: "I have never seen so much devastation.

"While the streets are rife with activity and chaos as people try to find loved ones and friends, the city is paralysed with destroyed buildings, blocked roads, intermittent power and rolling aftershocks."

Meanwhile several Christian charities will be part of a Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal due to be launched.

CAFOD, Christian Aid, Tearfund and World Vision will all be involved in a television appeal.

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