Over 110 killed in Nepal earthquake, heavy casualties feared

PTI

Kathmandu, 25 Apr 2015: At least 110 people were killed and heavy casualties feared as a strong earthquake measuring 7.9 on Richter scale struck Nepal today bringing down a number of buildings including the centuries-old Dharhara tower in the heart of the capital trapping scores of people.

 

The earthquake with epicentre at Lamjung, around 80 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, and had its impact in several cities in Bihar and West Bengal and eastern India. A number of aftershocks were felt for a long time after the quake.

 

Walls of several buildings in the densely-populated Kathmandu Valley developed severe cracks.

 

The earthquake first struck around 11:56 am followed by aftershocks, Nepal Police spokesperson Kamal Singh Ban said adding it was too early to determine the toll. One building has been damaged in Kathmandu.

 

"There are some casualties in Pokhra. In Gorkha district 10-12 people have been killed," he said. There is a breakdown in communication.

 

"We are collecting information and mobilising forces for evacuation," he said.

 

Indian Embassy spokesperson Abhay Kumar said some walls have collapsed in the impact of the major earthquake and the embassy has set up two helplines.

 

"I see many old walls have fallen because it was a major earthquake. And aftershocks of the earthquake that are pretty strong were still being felt. People are still outside," he said.

 

The landmark Dharhara tower in the centre of the capital collapsed and several people are feared trapped.

 

Around a dozen bodies were taken away from the ruins of the Dharhara tower, an AFP report said.

 

Television pictures showed some of the rescued being rushed to hospitals.

 

A Nepali minister said there had been "massive damage" at the epicentre.

 

"We need support from the various international agencies which are more knowledgeable and equipped to handle the kind of emergency we face now," Information Minister Minendra Rijal said.

 

Initially measured at 7.5 magnitude, the quake was later revised to 7.9, with a depth of 15 kilometres.

 

Witnesses and media reports said the quake tremors lasted between 30 seconds and two minutes. The Tribhuvan International Airport has been closed.

 

Kathmandu’s Darbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was completely damaged in the quake.

 

National radio warned people to stay outdoors and keep calm as more aftershocks were feared.