"It would be so much more convenient if the earthquake would send us an email in advance with all the details of its arrival," a fearful Lucas told his mother, a journalist.
Tech and telecom companies stepped up with much needed services. Facebook and Google offered tools to help those in the region let family and friends know they're OK. Other firms cut calling costs.
One estimate puts the reconstruction at more than $5 billion – or about a quarter of the country's GDP. Countries — and relief groups — are pledging to help.
The magnitude-7.8 temblor hit north of the capital Katmandu, toppling buildings in the capital. Dozens were also killed in neighboring India, China and Bangladesh.
As if the drought weren't bad enough, four of the area's aqueducts sit on the San Andreas Fault. Engineers are working to protect the water system against the next major earthquake.