MASSIVE devastation and people clinging to life is reported by an explorer and outdoor instructor who has made his way to Nepal.

Anthony Eddies-Davies, of Live The Adventure, in Stottesdon, calls Nepal his second home after working and training out there for the past 25 years.

He flew out to the country to see how he could help his friends and colleagues after they lost their family members, homes and schools in the disaster.

“My first impressions as we came in to land were surprisingly positive at first, but then I spotted the mosaic of coloured tarpaulins filling every spare bit of open space below, scattered throughout the capital,” said Anthony.

“As the plane taxied to the terminal I could also see military planes loading to depart. The first response teams have done their jobs and have started to depart whilst the aid teams are still on the ground working throughout Nepal.

“On the ground it was a little more subdued then the vibrancy that I’m used to, but in a weird way driving through the city to the hotel, it did seem the same old Nepal I love and it feels right for me to be here at this time.

He said people are living in constant fears of further earthquakes.

“There have been over 100 tremors and aftershocks since the first quake, with the latest one yesterday.

“I later ventured into the older area of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, famous for its old temples and religious sites.

“It was hard to walk around without sharing their loss at the destruction of these 12th century structures all tightly squeezed into one area, with many totally gone and others propped up full of cracks.

“Speaking to locals, they estimated 1,500 plus have died as a result of the destruction just in this part of the city and now many of the buildings still standing will need demolishing and are presently unsafe.

“Many were out clearing rubble with their hands and families sifting through debris for remnants of their home.

Live The Adventure has launched an appeal to raise £25,000, for which Ant will be identifying a dedicated project while talking to friends and colleagues in Kathmandu.

Closer to home, the adventure centre in Stottesdon will be holding an Open Day on May 31 to raise the vital funds the country so needs. A number of further fundraising activities are also planned for the summer.

A dedicated website – www.nepalappeal.com - is now live with more information and updates on the appeal, which is in the process of becoming a registered charity to ensure all proceeds raised go directly to projects on the ground in Nepal.