Anjila Shrestha, a Nepalese Troy University student, learned about the recent earthquake in her country through a phone call from a friend in California.

“She called Saturday and at first, I thought it might be not so bad,” Shrestha said. “I thought it was like the usual small earthquakes we have had. When she said we lost the Dhara (tower), which was near to my city, I was really shocked.”

Shrestha said she called her parents and found out they were not injured. However, Shrestha’s family, along with man other Nepalese, have been living outside in open space for three days since the after shocks are making it unsafe to shelter in buildings.

As of Tuesday, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, along with its aftershocks, has resulted in 4,358 deaths and 8,174 injured people, as reported by the government of Nepal, according to reliefweb.int. The numbers are expected to increase.

Darlene Schmurr-Stewart, dean of international student services, said the catastrophe was a worldwide disaster and people across the world, including Troy, are in some way affected by it.

According to Shrestha, there are 35 Nepalese students on the university campuses in Troy and Montgomery. One student had lost his home in Nepal and another was not able to contact his relatives who worked at base camps for Mount Everest tourist climbers.

“My aunt lost her house due to the earthquake,” Shrestha said. “The hardest part is to see people dying and see centuries of monuments destroyed. I don’t know how I would feel when I go back to my county, not seeing the places I visited so often anymore.

“I am calling my mom every now and then to see if they are safe and eating properly and to check on my relatives.”

Shrestha said although she is so far from home and is not able to do much, the Troy University Nepalese Student Association is doing what it could to support Nepal through this natural disaster.

The NSA has opened a gofundme account for donations toward Nepal Red Cross, which will utilize the money effectively, Shrestha said.

“(Troy University International Services) try to reach out to each student through this difficult time,” Schmurr-Stewart said. “What we could do as a community is not only talk to them, but we can also fundraise. We strongly support the Nepalese students’ fundraising efforts.”

According to Shrestha, $1 can be converted to approximately 100 ruppes and can buy people around three meals. The NSA also organized a candlelight vigil Tuesday night for victims and families of the earthquake.

“My friends from other countries called me, left me messages to see if I am okay,” Shrestha said. “I was overwhelmed and happy to have friends and support like that.”

To donate for Nepal through the NSA, visit gofundme.com/sxbd59s.