That is a wonderful idea, but it appears that the #1 priority in Nepal right now is decent drinking water. With the advent of monsoon rains, sanitation and protection from mosquito borne illness will be a significant public health issue. Status updates to relatives are a bit further down the list.

What can we learn from all of this? Tectonic forces are inexorable, and if you live where they can affect you, prepare! Even in the best of circumstances, organized relief will be many hours, if not days, away. Get ready, for your turn in the barrel is coming (at least that is my perspective from southern California).