G7 nations prepared to extend aid to quake-hit Nepal

The world's seven wealthiest nations are prepared to make further financial aid available to Nepal in the wake of the recent devastating earthquakes there, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said today.
"We are ready to extend further aid, including financial aid and, potentially, debt relief," said Schaeuble, who was hosting a meeting of the finance ministers and central bank governors of the Group of Seven countries in Dresden.
More than 8,600 people died in the two massive earthquakes that hit Nepal on April 25 and May 12, destroying nearly half a million houses and leaving thousands without food or water.

On Sunday, the Nepalese prime minister launched an appeal for USD 2.0 billion in aid to set up a reconstruction fund.
More than 20 countries have taken part in rescue and aid operations since the first quake.