On Saturday, a devastating 7.8­ magnitude earthquake rumbled through Nepal, completely collapsing over 70,000 homes. A death toll initially estimated at 1,000 has climbed to nearly 6,000, with about one hundred deaths in India and twenty five in China (NPR). The earthquake also caused massive avalanches in the Himalaya Mountains, especially on Mount Everest, resulting in the deaths of nineteen adventures climbers.

In a country already crippled by poverty and underdevelopment, this natural disaster has brought destruction from which it will take decades to recover. Running water exists in less than half of households, and this commodity has become a point of concern for emergency services. Luckily, programs from around the world are already responding through both donations and recovery or construction crews. On Wednesday, the U.N. developed a plan to give $415 million in aid funds to Nepal.

Among the extreme sadness, frustration, and desperation, stories of triumph have also emerged. A mother named Rasmila Awal was horrified when she watched her home collapse, knowing her young daughter and baby boy were inside. Her daughter quickly made it out, but it took twenty two hours before Rasmila heard her baby cry under the rubble of what was left of their home. Rescuers carefully dug him out and found him nearly unharmed. Though he was covered in dust and has a scratch on his brow, he is safe and healthy.

Intense recovery measures must continue for years to come, but Nepal holds the world’s support through this catastrophe.