Through Cor Unum, Francis is making a first contribution of US$ 100,000 to help the local Church meet the most urgent needs. Nepal’s prime minister warns the death toll could reach "at least 10,000”, adding that "The government is doing all it can for rescue and relief on a war footing”.

Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis is sending an initial contribution of US$ 100,000 to the Nepali Church, to meet the immediate needs of the survivors of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal last Saturday, this according to a press release by the Holy See.

“This sum, which will be sent to the local Church, [and] will be used to support aid operations for the displaced and other affected persons,” said the Vatican Information Service.

The funds, which will be sent through the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the main papal charity, are “intended as a first and immediate concrete expression of Pope Francis' ‘spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement’ towards those afflicted, as he assured during the Regina Coeli of Sunday 26 April. Episcopal conferences and Catholic charitable entities are already extensively involved in humanitarian works”.

“According to the data currently available but not yet definitive, there have been more than 4,300 victims so far and approximately 7 million affected in 34 districts of Nepal, a million homeless, and around 2 million children in need of assistance. Numerous villages are isolated and aid has not yet reached them. The government has estimated that roughly 400 thousand buildings have been destroyed.

Speaking to the press, Nepal’s prime minister, Sushil Koirala, said that the death toll could reach 10,000. He noted that "The government is doing all it can for rescue and relief on a war footing in a difficult hour for Nepal”.

Mr Koirala admitted that the lack of equipment and expert personnel means that the "appeals for rescue coming in from everywhere" in many cases could not be met.

In view of the situation, the Nepali government has pleaded for overseas aid – not only money, but especially provisions of food, water, and other essential items.

"We urge foreign countries to give us special relief materials and medical teams. We are really desperate for more foreign expertise to pull through this crisis," said Leela Mani Paudel, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal.

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