Nepalese restaurant workers have learned with relief that their relatives in their earthquake-torn country have survived.

After a week of struggling to get information, with phone and internet connections breaking down in the aftermath, it is almost certain that all their loved ones are now accounted for.

The 11 workers are from the Everest Inn in Hythe High Street.

The restaurant group’s co-director Raj Khardel told the Express: “As far as we know every relative of workers in this restaurant has survived. We are certainly very relieved.

“We know that some are injured and some of had their house damaged. Not all details have come out because of breakdowns in connections but the ability to contact is getting better.’’

The death toll from the earthquake in Nepal last Saturday rose to just over 6,200 today and nearly 14,000 injured.

The Hythe restaurant is next Wednesday holding a charity evening,starting at 6.30pm with tickets priced at £30.

Guest speakers are expected to include photographer James Lamb who was in Nepal on the day of the disaster.

The Everest Inn Group is working with the charity Search and Rescue Assistance in Disaster (SARAID) and the Nepalese Embassy. A book of condolence has been opened in the Hythe premises.

The Folkestone and Hythe area has a large Nepalese community mainly stemming from the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha based at Shorncliffe and condolence and support have spread through the area.

Last Monday a mass vigil was held at Cheriton Recreation Ground.

Local politicians there included representatives of Shepway District Councillors and general election candidates, Conservative Damian Collins and Liberal Democrat Lynne Beaumont.

Schoolchildren held banners and placed candles.

A collection has been set up in Folkestone to raise money for the Red Cross to help victims.

The organisers of the Folkestone Coastal 10k, which takes place on May 31, has already donated £1,000.

Items needed include sleeping bags, tents, blankets, children’s clothes, emergency medical kits, torches, cooking pots and long-lasting food.

This can be delivered to the offices of Independent Insurance Services in at Church House, 136 Sandgate Road, Folkestone between 8.30am and 5.30pm weekdays ant 9am to 12.30pm Saturdays.

More fundraising events are being organised with the announcement today of a curry buffet dinner at the Gurkha Palace restaurant at Enbrook Valley, Folkestone.

This is from 6pm to 9pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

For queries about the appeal contact Dhan Gurung on 07861 697606 or email dhan@gurkhaserviceslink.co.uk or Ray Johnson on 07968 290232 or email ray@independentinsuranceservices.co.uk.