A Nepal native now living in the Bay Area is working to raise money for rebuilding his village, which was devastated by a magnitude-7.8 quake.
The temblor and strong aftershocks has killed at least 5,000 people and damages could cost between $100 million and $10 billion, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Mill Valley-resident Jay Tamang was raised in a small village in Nepal and about a seven-hour ride from Katmandu. When the earthquake struck, Tamang quickly learned it was deadly for his family.
Tamang said he lost three cousins inside of a church building that collapsed in Katmandu.
Another casualty for Tamang are the four schools he worked hard to build have likely been reduced to dirt and rocks. Since moving to the Bay Area seven years ago, Tamang has sent a total of $30,000 back to Nepal to help build the schools.
"I know it's really sad in the city, but no help in the mountains -- no help at all," he said.
Tamang's parents, who are in their 80s, are living in tents. He said his parents are braving the cold weather and not sure when relief workers will make it to the mountain to bring food.
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Since Saturday, Tamang and his family has spent every waking hour on the computer and phone trying to contact family.
He is told 11 people from his village were killed in the quake.
The Tamang family's focus now is to raise money to help his village rebuild.
"My first priority is to rebuild the school for kids," Tamang said. "My goal is to raise $50,000. I'm hoping I'll be able to help them establish their life."
