By ACNS staff

Anglican agencies have renewed appeals for support after a second earthquake hit Nepal causing further death and destruction, the Anglican Alliance reports.

The 7.3 magnitude quake struck around 12.30 local time on Tuesday killing at least 82 people, including 17 in neighbouring India and one in Chinese Tibet. It came on the heels of the 8.1 magnitude quake on 25 April in which some 7,700 died.

 “The [first] quake has claimed more than 7,000 lives, and many more thousands injured. We have lost many members, including a dear pastor, [Laxman Tamang],” said Dean Law.

18 Anglican Church buildings had been destroyed, as well as more than 8,000 homes in the communities where the church was present, according to Dean Law.

Dean Lew underlined the need for emergency assistance: “More than 30,000 in these affected areas are displaced. Many are still needing temporary shelters, food supplies and medical aids.”

Since the first earthquake the Anglican Alliance has kept in close touch with Deanery of Nepal and with the various Anglican agencies around the Communion. Many launched appeals immediately following the first earthquake and are continuing to fund emergency assistance to meet urgent needs for food, clean water and shelter.  

A first medical response team was to travel to the disaster area 6-11 May, said ACROSS, a crisis relief ministry under the Diocesan Mission Board of The Diocese of Singapore.

According to Anglican Overseas Aid, ACT Alliance partners have distributed tarpaulins, hygiene kits and ready-made food to families in Kathmandu and are assessing the situation in remote communities, with the aim of providing water, sanitation and hygiene materials, as well as emergency shelter to people who lost their homes or who are staying outside for fear of aftershocks.

Local clergy, pastors and church leaders were to gather in Kathmandu on 11 May for a time of prayer and encouragement, Dean of Nepal Lewis Lew had announced 7 May.

“This will be an important time for the Anglican Church in Nepal, and we need your prayers, for myself and the clergy team from Singapore, as we stand together with our brethren,” he said.