Lawmakers offer condolences following Nepal earthquake

Lawmakers offered their condolences Saturday following reports of a massive earthquake in Nepal.

Members of Congress turned to social media to offer their thoughts and prayers to victims of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Asian nation Saturday, leaving nearly a thousand dead according to preliminary government totals.

Thoughts & prayers are with the Nepali community. Today’s #NepalQuake absolutely devastating.

— Rep. Joe Crowley (@repjoecrowley) April 25, 2015

Thoughts and prayers for the people of Nepal and others who lost loved ones or are suffering from the #NepalEarthquake.

— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 25, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nepal. Stay strong.

— Rep. Carlos Curbelo (@RepCurbelo) April 25, 2015

My prayers go out to the people of Nepal.

— RepPeteOlson (@OlsonPressShop) April 25, 2015

Absolutely devastating what has happened in Nepal. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nepalese.

— Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) April 25, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nepal.

— French Hill (@RepFrenchHill) April 25, 2015

{mosads}Nepali officials reported massive damage across the country, particularly in the capital city of Kathmandu where buildings collapsed and many were feared to be buried in the rubble. Deaths were also reported in India, Bangladesh and Tibet, according to the BBC.

The earthquake also came during the climbing season for Mount Everest, as trekkers from across the world gathered at the Himalayan mountain to try and reach its peak. A resulting avalanche there resulted in at least two deaths, according to the New York Times.