KATHMANDU, Nepal—The earthquake and aftershocks that devastated Kathmandu, Nepal, has left the staff of at least one hotel in the city scrambling to confirm the safety of its employees.
The Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee was left structurally sound following the magnitude 7.8 temblor that has left nearly 4,000 dead and more than 7,000 injured, according to news reports. Thoughts now have turned to the employees of the property.
The hotel in Kathmandu, as well as sister properties in New Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad, India, initiated evacuation proceedings when the earthquake struck just before noon local time Saturday.
“Unfortunately, we’re not yet able to confirm the safety and whereabouts of all our Kathmandu team members who were off duty at the time,” according to a press statement sent at about 11:15 a.m. eastern time to Hotel News Now from InterContinental Hotels Group. “We’re working around the clock to try and locate them all and provide them support as quickly as possible.”
Guests at the hotels were unharmed, according to IHG.
“Our thoughts go out to the people of Nepal and all those impacted by this tragedy, including our own teams,” the statement said.
Guest safety a top concern
Safety of guests and employees is top-of-mind for those in the Kathmandu hotel industry. A brief statement on the home page of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu directs users to a phone number that can be used to check on the wellbeing of those at the property. An emailed message seeking comment from the property was not returned prior to press time.
At the Radisson Kathmandu, all staff and guests are safe and accounted for, according to a statement from Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
“The Radisson Hotel Kathmandu was not affected by the earthquake, and all staff and guests have been accounted for,” the statement said. “The building has been inspected and verified for structural safety. Radisson Hotel Kathmandu is not taking any bookings until further notice and remains committed to the safety and well-being of staff and its guests.”
The Crowne Plaza property is serving as a hub for aid agencies, and the hotel’s staff is working to accommodate guests who are awaiting evacuation. IHG has also donated $100,000 to support the local community with aid.