A candlelight vigil is scheduled Tuesday at UC San Diego for the victims of the massive earthquake in Nepal, where the death toll has climbed above 5,000.
The magnitude-7.8 quake struck near the capital of Kathmandu, and its effects were widespread — killing victims in neighboring India and Tibet, and triggering an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed at least 18 climbers.
Eight million people have been affected by the temblor, according to the United Nations, and Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has warned that his nation's death toll could reach 10,000.
The vigil, organized by the Nepalese Student Association, is set for 7 p.m. at the Geisel Library.
San Diego State University's Visualization Center is helping by organizing and mapping data in disaster areas for emergency responders.
The center's director, Eric Frost, said using social media websites like Twitter and YouTube have become indispensable.
At least two San Diego County residents are reported to be missing in the mountainous region of Asia.
NBC7/39 reported that Dawn Lightfoot of Carlsbad was traveling in the area with her boyfriend, Matt Schiavon. The 30-year-old Lightfoot is a teacher in South Korea.
A Jamul woman told CBS8 that the last she heard of her son, 33-year-old Stephen Kennedy, was that he was headed to a base camp around Mount Everest 10 days ago. She said it's not unusual for Stephen Kennedy, a native of the East County community, to be out of touch, but he would know his family was worried.
Two San Diego-based relief organizations are gearing up to provide assistance to the region.
International Relief Teams said it has ordered up a shipment of medicines, which will be flown from the Netherlands to Nepal, where it should arrive by the middle of the week.
The group said partners on the scene will keep International Relief Teams updated on what's needed in the mountainous Asian country.
International Relief Teams, best known for sending volunteers to rebuild homes following natural disasters, is accepting donations online at www.irteams.org, or by mail at International Relief Teams, Attn: Nepal Earthquake, 4560 Alvarado Canyon Road, Suite 2G, San Diego, Calif., 92120.
The Rescue Task Force is providing support to the work of volunteers in Asia who are on their way to the quake-stricken area.
The United Nations announced it has released $15 million from an emergency fund to pay for water, medical supplies and shelter. The U.S. Agency for International Development said it would contribute $10 million.
A group of 26 U.S. Army Green Berets who were training Nepalese soldiers when the earthquake struck will remain in the country to help with relief efforts.
