To pay homage to the more than 3,900 lives claimed by the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal, a candlelight vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Southern Arkansas University Bell Tower.
Contributions to benefit the rescue and recovery efforts in Nepal will also be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the SAU Reynolds Center foyer. Donations collected will be relayed to Red Cross working in Nepal through Shreveport.
SAU currently has 22 students from Nepal, according to SAU International Student Coordinator Jason Martisek. He said most are from the area of Katmandu that got hit hardest, but that thankfully no SAU students lost immediate family members.
The Nepalese students at SAU are deeply grieved by the situation in Nepal and are working together to make an attempt to help in the rescue efforts back home.
“Magnolia has been our home away from home. With our homes in Nepal under the relentless and merciless blows of earthquakes and aftershocks, we turn to our second home for help and support,” said Shrijana Malakar, SAU alum and staff member. “We are making an attempt to help our country as it grieves and tries to recover, and we appreciate your help. Your presence alone would give us strength and help us stand together in unity.”
According to Malakar, the Nepalese students are keeping a close eye on the news and are staying in touch with family members and friends back home. With the devastation and continued brunt of aftershocks, the recovery process is near impossible and has forced the public to live on the streets with little to no access to basic provisions such as food, water and shelter.
They have heard that the international community is generously stepping up in support, but that a number of small villages are still awaiting rescue and aid. Although official sources have confirmed more than 3,900 lives lost, the death toll is expected to grow by a significant number.
