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Border region counts cost of Nepal earthquake

The aftermath of Nepal's earthquake continues to unfold around the world.

Some Cumbrian's have lost friends and family in the tragedy.

Others from our region who were there have described the devastating effects of the disaster and are calling for aid to be sent to help rebuild the country.

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Borders family that survived Nepal earthquake back in UK

David and Aileen Knox with four-year-old daughter Jess Credit: David Knox

A family from Melrose who survived the earthquake in Nepal were amongst the very first to arrive back in the UK.

David Knox, his wife Aileen and four-year-old daughter Jess thought they were going to die in the disaster.

The family arrived back last night from Nepal on the first UK aid flight with 120 people. They landed at a private hangar at Stansted Airport. He's due home tomorrow night.

Mr Knox said his family spent two nights sleeping on the floor of the airport waiting for a flight home before seeking refuge in the British embassy in Kathmandu.

David and Jess Credit: David Knox

"I have mixed emotions at the moment. I am relieved to be back because I have a young child but there is a hint of sadness because in the 16 days we were there, we fell in love with people and it's sad to leave them behind. "Many I saw had no food or water or sanitation because of the risk of buildings falling down. It's sad we could do nothing to help but all 120 of us on the plane back said we would return to support their tourist industry.

"After the initial aid, in the long term if there are no tourists going, it would be devastating on the country because they rely on visitors for their economy so much."

– David Knox
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Border region counts cost of Nepal earthquake

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