Hamiltonians found safe in Nepal quake zone

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Two Hamilton men stranded in Nepal after the deadly earthquake are alive and well.

Bryan Prince, who used to own Bryan Prince Booksellers in Westdale, and his brother Ross had been trekking through Nepal for more than a month. Luckily they weren’t hurt in Saturday’s quake, and now they are trying to help others.

Ross Prince told American reporter Miguel Almaguer of NBC News what it was like to be there. “It’s hard to explain. It’s kind of bizarre.”

“In one regard it’s kind of exciting but then good God look at the devestation, you know. We’re in the middle of a world situation. Ultimately, it’s awful. But biding your time, pitching in, doing what we can and that keeps your mind off it.”

The brothers have been very critical of the Canadian consulate’s handling of the situation, saying they have done nothing for them. The two are staying at the American consulate.

Our consulate in Nepal is a courtesy residence and has only one volunteer employee. Family members of others stranded say they don’t blame the consulate, but they’re frustrated with the lack of information and assistance being provided.

Canadian DART team arrives in Kathmandu

A Canadian military plane carrying an advance disaster-assistance team has landed in Kathmandu. 31 armed forces members are in the earthquake-hit country.

The crew will assess where a full team can best help. It’ll be able to fly up to 100 Canadians to New Delhi once it’s ready to leave later today.

A second Canadian plane with more equipment and people is expected to land in Nepal tomorrow. The death toll from the quake has topped 5,000 with more than 8 million affected.

Nepalese PM visits quake zone

Nepal’s prime minister wore a mask as he spoke to members of the military helping with rescue and recovery efforts in Kathmandu. Rescue efforts continued today with helicopters bringing wounded from remote villages to the capital for treatment.

On-and-off rain over the past few days has hampered rescue efforts.

Ottawa to match aid donations

The Canadian government announced Monday that it will match donations to the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund dollar-for-dollar until May 25th.