Recovering from an geological disaster like Saturday's devastating earthquake in Nepal is a matter of months and years, not days. First there are aftershocks, like the 6.9 magnitude quake that shook all of Nepal and North India again on Sunday. Then there's the destruction and the casualties – more than 2,000 at last count, but continuing to go up as more reports come in. And finally there's the slow, arduous task of rebuilding. Fortunately, Nepal isn't entirely alone.

"We have launched a massive rescue and rehabilitation action plan and lots needs to be done", said Minendra Rijal, Nepal's Information and Broadcasting Minister. "Our country is in a moment of crisis and we will require tremendous support and aid."

Countries and organisations from around the world are assisting Nepal's authorities with the immediate rescue work, while much of the Kathmandu Valley remains under rubble. The task is immense. In addition to the casualties, more than 5,000 have been listed injured and many more may still be trapped. Estimates suggest that 80% of houses in rural areas have been destroyed. The aftershocks are particularly dangerous for the buildings that were already damaged in the first quake. Infrastructure across the country has been damaged.

Phone networks are starting to come back up, but electricity is still in short supply and getting water and food to people will be a challenge. Then there's the problem of treatment for those who are injured or sick. A hospital crunch will only be exacerbated if it takes longer for services to reach people, since that is likely to mean more people falling ill and needing treatment.

In many ways, the Kathmandu valley is living up to its reputation as the most dangerous place in the world, per capita. What's worse is that Kathmandu is the country's capital, meaning many of its vital services have also been crippled by the huge earthquake. This is where the help of other countries and organisations comes in.

India
Being Nepal's neighbour and its closest ally, New Delhi immediately swung into action to assist Kathmandu with its relief efforts. India has sent 16 teams of the National Disaster Relief Force, in addition to medical assistance and the dispatching of provisions.


Operation Maitri, as the Ministry of Defence has dubbed it, features aircraft to evacuate Indian and other tourists, with the government giving visas to all stranded tourists who need Indian help. Meanwhile, New Delhi has also sent over seven helicopters to move relief materials and help with the rescue efforts.

Pakistan
Islamabad sent in four C-130 aircraft carrying a 30-bedded hospital, as well as special search and rescue teams and relief items to assist with the relief operations.

Pakistan has several relief teams specially trained for disaster relief operations, like the massive Kashmir earthquake from a decade ago that this one is being compared to, and will be using these to help with the rescue operations. Islamabad has also sent in thousands of ready-to-eat meals, tents blankets and other provisions that can assist with the rescue efforts.

The West
Washington announced an initial $1 million in aid, as well as a disaster response team to assist Nepal in its rescue efforts. The United Kingdom sent a team of humanitarian experts to help with the relief operations, and they will also be working alongside the teams from a number of UK charities, such as Oxfam and Save the Children, which have announced they will be sending in teams. Australia has promised $5 million to go through its charities.

The East
A Singaporean search-and-rescue team is already on its way to Nepal to assist with the efforts. Japan, no stranger to earthquakes, has also said that it is sending a 70-member strong team to help Nepali authorities with the massive challenge of rescuing people from far off areas.

China


Israel