Elon holds vigil in wake of Nepal tragedy

Students, faculty and staff gathered in the Numen Lumen Pavilion in support of those affected by the April 25 earthquake in the Himalayan nation.

Elon University held a vigil in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion on Monday to reflect and pray for the victims of a weekend earthquake in Nepal.

The death toll from the magnitude-7.8 earthquake has surpassed 4,000 with thousands more badly injured or missing.

Prayers were led by staff and students from different religious communities represented on campus.

Elon sophomore Lena Dahal and freshman Surya Shahi, both citizens of Nepal, spoke to the group. Thanking those in attendance, the duo said the support they have received from the campus community has provided them comfort.

In addition to the rising death toll and number of families displaced by the earthquake, Dahal and Shahi also spoke about the economic toll their country faces.

Financial aid can be given through the following channels:

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Responding-to-78-Magnitude-Earthquake-in-Nepal

CARE: http://www.care.org/

Oxfam: http://www.oxfam.org/

Stop Hunger Now: http://www.stophungernow.org/

World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/