By official count, the earthquake killed more than 6,000 people. Rescuers says the toll could go as high as 20,000.
As many as 1,500 families from India now call the Triangle home. Most still have relatives in their native country so, understandably, they are concerned.
Cary resident Suvah Shah considers his family lucky. His wife and mother were on a six-week visit to India when the earthquake hit.
His wife called him at 2 a.m. Friday to tell him the news. She was in New Delhi -- almost 1,000 miles from the quake's epicenter, and she barely felt it.
But Shah's mother had gone on to their hometown -- where there was substantial damage. She, too, survived.
"I'm from the town and all my relatives live in the city, and luckily almost all of them have survived without a major impact," Shah said. "They may lose their house, but at least physically, they are all right."
Shah knows that it will take a long time for his country to recover from this disaster.
His wife and mother plan to cut their visit short and come home as soon as they can make arrangements.
In the meantime, he knows other families here that are not so lucky. Many lost loved ones and some are still awaiting word.
If you would like to help, the Hindu Society of North Carolina is collecting monetary donations. You can call919-460-9430or you can send a check to:HSNC 2001 Earthquake Relief Fund309 Aviation ParkwayMorrisville, NC 27560
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