​More aid needed in stricken region but efforts hampered by further quake

Aid workers in Nepal have said their task is being hampered over fears more earthquakes will hit the already devastated country.

Thousands of people have taken to sleeping outdoors, terrified a third wave of tremors could strike the region.

It comes after at least 65 people were confirmed dead after Tuesday’s (12 May) second quake which also left more than 1,000 injured.

The impoverished country is now appealing to foreign nations for billions of dollars in aid, as well as medical experts to treat the wounded.

Oxfam Ireland's humanitarian manager Colm Byrne said people were afraid of the aftershocks and landslides that could follow.

Speaking from the Chautara area in the Sindhupalchowk province, the region worst affected by the first earthquake which struck on April 25, Byrne said everyone is on "high alert" and that more aid was desperately needed.

Existing camps for the displaced are becoming more crowded - Colm Byrne

“Nepal has been devastated and now another quake means people are fleeing their homes. Existing camps for the displaced are becoming more crowded so we urgently need more shelter," he said.

“We have supplies in place to help people affected by the second quake but we need more.

“The airport facilities were damaged by the first quake but our supply lines through Oxfam in India means we are able to deliver aid fast despite damage to infrastructure.

“If we can get more supplies we can deliver them.”

Christian Aid emergency programme officer Yeeshu Shukla, was also in the Sindhupalchowk region when the second quake struck.

He said: “The race is to get relief through to the worst hit areas – clothing and other essentials. There is a shortage of drivers, however, many of whom have returned to their homes to be with their families.”

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) announced on Tuesday that £50 million had been raised from people in the UK to help those affected by a 7.8 magnitude quake in the west of the country two weeks ago.

After the first disaster, aid agencies were working to help more than 310,000 people in the country – that number will now rise significantly.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid footballer Christian Ronaldo has donated £5m of his own cash to Save the Children’s Nepal appeal.

The 30-year old Portuguese striker made the donation after asking his 100m Facebook followers to support the charity.