Two Huntsville women, who were set to climb Mount Everest, were in Nepal when a deadly earthquake hit just outside of Kathmandu.
Brandy Van Gelder and Kelly Hammond were in a market in Kathmandu on Saturday, when the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck. The earthquake shuttered through the Nepal capital causing buildings to crumble and an avalanche on Mount Everest.
“I was the only one injured with falling debris, but luckily it was cool and I was wearing a jean jacket, so am only suffering from bruising and small contusions,” Hammond told CTV News in a text message.
Officials say over 2,500 people are now reported dead, a number that could continue to rise as remote areas are searched. Aftershocks are now a cause for concern.
“There have been many aftershocks and some throughout the night,” she says. “We are on edge and cautious, but we are in the middle of chaos and are really feeling blessed that we are still okay.”
Hammond and Van Gelder are safely back in their hotel. Hammond says the pair is pitching in where they can.
“The staff have been incredible and we have water and food. The hotel has a generator so currently we feel safe and secure,” she says. “We now sit and wait and assist others when needed.”
Prime Minister Harper says Canadian diplomats in earthquake ravaged Nepal are working with local authorities to account for Canadians who were in the Asian country.
Harper issued a statement offering his condolences to the people of Nepal who are trying to cope with the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude quake that shook the country on Saturday.
He says Canadian diplomats are also assessing Nepal's needs to determine if Canada can provide disaster assistance.
Foreign Affairs says there are 388 Canadians registered as being in Nepal, but cautions that's only an estimate as registration is voluntary.
With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press.
