<< A Buddha statue is surrounded by debris from a collapsed temple in the UNESCO world heritage site of Bhaktapur on April 26, 2015 in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Nepal is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, with many of the buildings in the capital city made of brick and mortar with minimal reinforcement. Outside the cities, many people live in simple mud thatch houses.

Rescue missions and aid have started arriving to help cope with the aftermath of the earthquake, the worst to hit Nepal for more than 80 years. The roads to the earthquake's epicentre, northwest of the capital, have also been cleared and rescue teams are on their way.The roads to the earthquake's epicentre, northwest of the capital, have also been cleared and rescue teams are on their way.

Meanwhile, officials have warned that the number of casualties could rise as rescue teams reach remote mountainous areas of western Nepal.

Initial reports suggest that many communities - especially those close to mountainsides - suffered significant quake damage.

Continued offerings of prayers, meditations, transferences of merit, etc are deeply welcomed.

The following are some Buddhist relief efforts where you may channel your support:

Matthieu Ricard’s Karuna Shechen (http://karuna-shechen.org/publications/)

Citta - Earthquake relief and rebuilding. Your donation will go directly towards aiding relief for the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that just hit 34km east of Lamjung, Nepal (https://cittainc.giv.sh/0a9d)

Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation (https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/chokgyur/donation.jsp)

Olmo Ling - Bon Center and Institute (http://www.olmoling.org/)

Nepal Earthquake Relief- CEBA Canadian Engaged Buddhism Assn (http://www.youcaring.com/emergency-fundraiser/nepal-earthquake-relief-ceba-canadian-engaged-buddhism-assn/344310)

Social media

Facebook has created an alert system which allows people to mark themselves or others as safe: https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck/nepalearthquake/

Google has set up a 2015 Nepal Earthquake Person Finder where you can search for or add information about people in the area. http://blog.charitynavigator.org/2015/04/nepal-earthquake-relief.html