Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) sent their condolences to the people of Nepal and surrounding countries on Sunday (April 28), after an earthquake devastated the heavily crowded Kathmandu Valley, killing more than 2,200 people, and triggered a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Ahman, the ASEAN rotating chair said they were sadden by the loss of life.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the governments and peoples ofNepal, India and Bangladesh, as well as to the families affected by the earthquake. We’re saddened by the loss of lives and damages to properties and infrastructure as well as historical heritage sites in the capital of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas,” said Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Ahman.
Anifah added that the ASEAN nations were ready to extend their assistance to help affected countries.
“The ASEAN foreign ministers expressed our solidarity at this trying time and we stand ready to extend our assistance and join international efforts in assisting the governments and the peoples of Nepal, India and Bangladesh,” said Anifah.
A big aftershock between Kathmandu and Everest unleashed more avalanches in the Himalayas. In the capital, hospital workers stretchered patients out onto the street to treat them as it was too dangerous to keep them indoors.
The tremor, measured at 6.7, was the most powerful since Saturday’s 7.9 quake – itself the strongest since Nepal’s worst earthquake disaster of 1934 that killed 8,500 people.
Reuters
