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International community pledges aid and assistance
国际社会承诺援助尼泊尔震区
Many countries and international charities have pledged to help Nepal to deal with the disaster, with emergency supplies in dire need. Many people in the capital Kathmandu spent the night sleeping in tents, amid fears of possible aftershocks. Nepal is a popular destination for backpackers, and many have been speaking about the moment the quake struck.
The worst earthquake disaster to hit the region in more than 80 years. A Chinese tourist recalls the moment the quake struck.
"I was in a small alleyway when the earthquake struck. It knocked me over. I felt strong shaking, stones were dropping from above. I couldn't see anything as the air was full of heavy dust. The shaking went on for about 20 or 30 seconds, I can't remember exactly. When I ran into the street, I saw telegraph poles had fallen down, walls collapsed, buildings cracked. People were standing in the street. There were two strong aftershocks. Many people started crying. There were no phone signals and we couldn't send out messages," said a Chinese tourist in Nepal.
The streets of Kathmandu are now packed with thousands of people - both locals and tourists, refusing to go back to homes and hotels, afraid of possible aftershocks.
"What if the earthquake comes again and we couldn't escape? We will be buried alive. My family dare not go back home after the earthquake. We are so afraid," said a local resident.
"We have heard people say bigger and more quakes are still to come. So we slept here in the tent. This is safer, and we can make a quicker escape," said another resident.
Offers of help are now pouring in from governments around the world, with drinking water, food, medicine, and tents all badly needed.
Volunteers and staff from the Red Cross are working on the ground, helping with the search and rescue, and administrating first aid.
The Red Cross blood bank in Kathmandu is operating at full capacity.
With strong aftershocks continuing, further damage to buildings is expected, sparking more fear among people who've already suffered a terrifying 24 hours.
