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Reciting melodic mantras and working Buddhist prayer beads in their fingers, about 50 members of Utah's Tibetan community invoked divine help Sunday afternoon for victims and survivors of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal a day earlier.

"We offer our prayers for the souls of those who died and the quick recovery of those who are suffering," said Tsering Dhondup, vice president of the Utah Tibetan Association, in a solemn service at the Buddhist temple at 740 S. 300 West in Salt Lake City.

The catastrophe has a substantial impact on the Tibetan community because so many people from their homeland have sought refuge in Nepal since Tibet was taken over by the Chinese, Dhondup said.

"A lot of our brothers and sisters have lived in Nepal … since we lost our country," he added, estimating the number of migrants was close to 20,000. "Please offer your prayers from the bottom of your heart … not only for the Tibetans, but for the Nepalese and the foreign tourists who gave up their lives."

Tibetan immigrant Pema Chagzoetsang says she suspects little physical relief assistance is available to the people who lived through the magnitude 7.8 quake and numerous aftershocks. "The least we can do is pray for them," she said.

Tsewang Rabga considers himself fortunate. In a cellphone call that went in and out on Sunday, he learned that his mother had survived the quake with minor injuries from a fall while she ran from a collapsing building in a small village on the outskirts of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. "She hurt her knees but had no broken bones," he said, as a woman seated on a cushion nearby incessantly spun a prayer wheel. Buddhists believe the wheels hold millions of prayers that go out to all around as they revolve.

Aarati Ghimire has not been as blessed. Her grandfather has been missing since the main earthquake.

Standing before a room of nearly 100 people at the University of Utah's Student Union building, she pleaded for help at an impromptu meeting Sunday afternoon to discuss mounting relief efforts.

"We are still in great pain," said Ghimire, vice president of the Nepalese Association of Utah (NAUT). "We need more than we can imagine right now."

To collect funds, Ghimire announced that her group has set up a Paypal account on its website, utahnepal.org. The association is still determining the best charitable organization to channel the money through, she said, assuring listeners the funds will go through a reliable source.

"That way, you're not getting scammed," said Girish Ghimire, a former president of NAUT.

Aarati Ghimire pointed out that the weeks and months following catastrophes are horrific, too. People have lost their homes, and there is a major need for drinking water and food, so contributions will be needed for more than just a few days.

The association is planning a candlelight vigil within the week, she said, but details have not been finalized. More information will be posted on the association's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/utahnepal.

People interested in donating money to the relief work in Nepal may find out how to do so at http://www.utahnepal.org. Also see A4.