Earthquake

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.

The human toll of the weekend disaster is overwhelming, but the temblor also damaged some of Kathmandu's historic structures.

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.

Ground Truth is a new group with a simple yet revolutionary way of figuring out if disaster relief works: Ask the victims.