An expert in geology and earthquakes from Epsom has flown out to assist search and rescue efforts in Nepal as the earthquake death toll rises above 5,000.
Mark Scorer, 33, who is a geotechnical engineer for engineering company Atkins, which is based in the town, and lives in Wheelers Lane, Epsom, flew to Kathmandu on Sunday as part of a specialist search team.
Speaking this morning about the situation in Nepal, his partner Sarah Holmes, 38, said: "It’s pretty horrific, but having somebody I love and care about in the country makes it even more real.
"It brings it all home and it’s emotional. When I first heard he was going out there I was very upset, but me and everyone else are so proud he’s out there and helping."
Mr Scorer has been part of the team at Search and Rescue Assistance in Disasters (SARAID) for two years and has given up a weekend every month to train with them.
He has worked at Atkins for eight years, but also has experience the seismic sector and has a master’s degree in soil mechanics and engineering seismology. Seismology is the study of earthquakes and related phenomena.
Photo: SARAID
Ms Holmes said: "He just wants to help people and use his skills as a geotechnical engineer and seismic knowledge to do some good."
The 15-strong team from SARAID specialise in finding and rescuing people trapped in collapsed buildings. They are based just outside Kathmandu airport and are using 1.5 tonnes of the latest rescue equipment.
SARAID said on its website that yesterday half the team was working with a Turkish team and dog handlers around Sanku, a badly devastated town.
Photo: SARAID
The British charity posted: "They have conducted several searches of collapsed structures but have not found anything or anybody."
Three team members are coordinating international urban search and rescue teams and others are travelling to another area where they will carry out a needs assessment.
Ms Holmes, who also works for Atkins in Epsom, said SARAID call her every day, but she has not yet spoken to Mr Scorer. She said: "I know he’s safe and doing well."
She said they are holding a cake sale at Atkins to raise money for Nepal on Tuesday, adding: "I want it to stay in the front of people’s minds."
Mark Scorer during training for SARAID
Neil Thomas, managing director for Atkins’ water and environment division, said: “Mark is a geotechnical engineer, which means he’s an expert in building on different types of rock and soil.
"He also has specialist seismic engineering skills which will be incredibly valuable in helping communities in Nepal recover following the tragedy.
"Mark’s commitment to the cause shows he cares about the world we live in and understands how his engineering skills can make a difference to people’s lives.
"We encourage our people to volunteer to support good causes and when Mark approached us to travel to Nepal to put to use the training he’s undertaken with SARAID, we had no hesitation in accepting his request.”
Atkins is a patron of another disaster relief charity, RedR, which is also responding to the Nepal disaster.
To donate please visit http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/saraid/nepalearthquake
The Foreign Office has advised that any British Nationals in need of consular assistance call 020 7008 0000 or text NEPAL to +447860 010 026.
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