News

82 killed in Nepal and India as earthquake hit

by IBNS 12 May 2015, 08:15 pm

Kathmandu/Nepal, May 13 (IBNS) The death roll in the second massive earthquake in Nepal in less than three weeks has climbed to 65 as more than 1900 are injured.

In India, where tremors were felt across Northern and Eastern parts, 17 people have died in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, both bordering Nepal.

Reports quoted Nepal officials as saying that  the death toll in Nepal following Tuesday’s 7.3-magnitude temor rose to  65 by Wednesdaymorning. They put the number of wounded at 1,926.

With the fresh casualties, the total death toll in Nepal since the April 25 quake has crossed 8,200. 

Aftershocks continued on Tuesday night and in the early hours of Wednesday, forcing thousands of  people to stay outdoors.

 Eight houses were reportedly destroyed in the capital Kathmandu following Tuesday's quake.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake registered 7.3 on the Richter scale, occurred at 12.45 pm(local time). The ground shook for at least 25 seconds.

Apart from the 7.3 earthquake, aftershocks were also experienced by the nation.

The aftershocks ranged from 4.2 to 6.2 on the Richter Scale, India Meteorological Department website said on Tuesday.

Initial reports suggested that the epicentre was Afghanistan but it, later it was changed to Zham on the China-Nepal border about 83 kms east of Kathmandu and then finally to Kodari, Nepal.

The airport in Kathmandu was shut down soon after the quake.

Three major landslides were also reported in Nepal's Sindhupalchowk region.


Continuing the efforts by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to help Nepal which was struck by severe earthquakes in recent times, relief was being provided to the people in distress across Nepal including remote and inaccessible areas. 

Six IAF Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH) are positioned at Kathmandu.  Two MLHs are positioned at Pokhara. 

The most affected areas where casualty evacuation  were carried in the past few days are Chautara, Charkot, Dhading, Melum, Lukla, Aroghat, Dhunche, Trishuli, Ramchap, Barpak, Narayan Chor, Namchi Bazar and Tatopani.