A Northland couple caught off guard by a powerful earthquake in Nepal while travelling in a bus managed to make their way back to their hostel in the midst of falling homes and rocks.
Kevin and Anne Gray of Paihia left for the Nepalese capital Kathmandu two weeks ago to volunteer at an orphanage and a childcare centre but expect they may have to return to New Zealand after the natural disaster that has killed 1800 people.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Saturday swept across Nepal's Mt Everest region, killing at least 18 climbers and guides, and slamming into a section of the mountaineering base camp.
Officials warn the death toll will rise as more reports come in. More than 4700 people were injured.
Strong aftershocks continued to jolt the region and most areas are without power and water.