Christopher Sharma

Various NGOs denounce " the presence of people locked up in structures that are damaged and at risk of collapse”. 55% of prisons collapsed and cannot be reused. The government will not provide official data on the number of prisoners who died during the earthquake on 25 April. The families are demanding that safety is ensured and survivors transferred elsewhere.

Almost a month after the earthquake, people are discouraged and fearful. Two million Nepalese suffer from post-traumatic syndrome whilst thousands are still waiting for help. For apostolic vicar, counselling and spiritual assistance are a priority.

Nearly 90 percent of the buildings in the capital damaged; 80 per cent high risk. Construction of new buildings blocked for two months as regulations re-written. By law buildings higher than two stories illegal.

A village has run out of drinking water and the survivors are forced to drink that is mixed with animal carcasses and dead people. Political parties (majority and opposition) only send aid to their supporters. The director of Caritas Nepal explains the relationship between government and associations in an emergency.

At least 300 health facilities were seriously damaged, half were destroyed. A man with liver problems, waited for a week for dialysis: "I risk of dying at any moment." Kathmandu doctor: "We try to treat people in the tents." The support of Catholic and Christian organizations and the United States, Italy, India and China.

The government's decision after the "Great Earthquake" made paths dangerous. 27 climbers have died in avalanches triggered by the earthquake, but hundreds are still buried under the snow. The heroism of Catholic and non-Catholic students at Jesuit college of St. Xavier, in Langtang to rescue survivors.

The population is terrified, rescue operations difficult. Yesterday’s earthquake between magnitude of 7.3 and 6.8. Government estimates put combined death toll of April 25 to date at over 8 thousand deaths and 17 thousand injuries.

The victims were celebrating the religious ceremony when the quake hit: the day off in the country is Saturday, not Sunday. Dozens of churches - mostly housed in rented homes - have collapsed. No Catholic casualties.

The government has decided to reopen schools on 15 May, but many parents are scared and announce: "We will not leave our children." Many buildings are still unsafe. Teachers issued directive to find "any place" that allows students to study in safety.

The authorities do not have reliable data on foreign nationals living in the country at the time of the quake. Out of over 7,700 victims, 57 are foreign. Rasuwa district official: "We can not say how many tourists have died or disappeared. It may take weeks".

The alarm is linked at the approach of the monsoon season. Tens of thousands of people are still living outdoors, exposed to rain and bad weather. Measles, which is highly contagious, is what most concerns international agencies and the World Health Organisation.

The authorities thank the international community for "generous support", but claim they "can continue rescue operations on their own". Criticism and complaints of diplomatic missions and NGOs over aid management. A survivor: "If it were not for the support of Christians and other charitable organizations, we would have died."