GFA missionary's wife dies in Sikkim quake

A Gospel for Asia-supported missionary's wife died Sunday when an earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck Sikkim, India.

Pastor B Tamang and his wife, Nirmala, were enjoying a fellowship meal with some church members and two Bridge of Hope workers in their home in Sikkim when the earthquake struck just after 6 pm.

The family lives near the epicenter of the quake. Due to the mountainous terrain, all the buildings are constructed terrace style into the sides of the mountains. The Tamangs' home is located just below the church where he serves as pastor.

The earthquake struck at 6:10 pm and everyone in the Tamangs' house scrambled to get outside. As they were running, the church building collapsed and Nirmala was crushed beneath one of the falling walls. Pastor Tamang and the rest of the Christians with him also suffered major injuries and are being treated at a local hospital.

Pastor Tamang's church was completely destroyed.

"We are deeply grieved to hear about Nirmala's death. Gospel for Asia has lost a vibrant Christian woman who served as an example of what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart." said Gospel for Asia President KP Yohannan.

"While supporting her husband's work, she led a dynamic ministry reaching out to the women in this area. Please be in prayer for this dear brother and all those in his ministry area who are filled with sorrow because of this situation."

Several churches led by Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries were also destroyed in the quake.

"We have literally hundreds of missionaries serving throughout this area, as well as dozens of Bridge of Hope centers," Yohannan said. "The earthquake cut off electricity and took out the normal communications channels, so we don't know the full extent of the damage."

The death toll of Sunday's landslides has reached 98. The figures however could rise as many more are feared trapped under the debris. Mangan, Lachung, Lachen and Sighthan areas of North Sikkim are the worst-affected.