Nepal Earthquake: Google Person Finder helps trace loved ones

Service is aimed at getting crucial information about victims of the calamity

It's scary to imagine your loved ones missing when a natural calamity strikes. 

With more than 680 people dead in the 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu and scores injured and numerous others missing, Google Person Finder is offering worried relatives some sense of comfort .

Related: Google Maps transforms streets into giant Pac-Man game

The service is aimed at getting crucial information about the victims of the calamity, and helping rescue teams find them.

The “I’m looking for someone” feature that helps you discover about your loved one.



While “I have information about someone” button provides the opportunity to submit important information relating to a victim.



The data has been made available to the public and is easily accessible. The service was initiated by volunteer Google engineers in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Related: Google apologises for crudely offensive image of Apple logo in Maps

Meanwhile, a rescue operation is under way for hundreds of people trapped under the debris as the death toll is feared to rise significantly in view of the thickly populated city.

Metropolitan police spokesperson Dinesh Acharya said, “Our focus is on rescue in the core areas of Kathmandu where the population is concentrated,” adding that “many houses and buildings have collapsed.