Rescue workers search for bodies as a stretcher is kept ready after an earthquake hit, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Rescue workers search for bodies as a stretcher is kept ready after an earthquake hit, in Kathmandu, Nepal April 25, 2015. Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar

On April 25, Nepal was struck with terrible earthquake. The earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale was followed by several aftershocks. People of the country are now facing power outages and poor communications and internet connectivity issues. Various tech companies have already begun with services that can help in connecting people in the country.

On the official blog site of Skype, a new post has been published that states that the VOIP service provider will be allowing completely free incoming calls to landline and mobile users in Nepal with immediate effect. It further states by offering free calls, it wants to offer people with alternative communication option to connect with friends and family members during the current crisis situation in Nepal.

Facebook has started with a new feature called Safety Check tool especially for the affected people. The official post from Mark Zuckerberg states that it is a simple tool that allows users to track people near a disaster affected area on the basis of the city information listed on their profile, or from the place they accessed the internet. The tool prompts the user to confirm whether they are safe or unsafe in their area.

Facebook has also started a donation campaign in order to make donations to the International Medical Corps. The organization assists by providing immediate emergency teams with mobile medical units to areas affected by the earthquake.

Facebook users can start donating by accessing the donate option place at the top of the newsfeed. The social networking giant is also going to offer financial support as it has promised to match the donation of up to $2 million made by the people. Readers who wish to make donation to the International Medical Corp can visit the official Facebook page for Nepal Earthquake Support

Google has also started with Persona Finder service that allows people to search or post details of family and friends that were affected by a catastrophe. On April 27, the Person Finder service for 2015 Nepal Earthquake was able to track details of about 5,000 people, states PC World.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, email: a.sivanandan@ibtimes.com.au

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