Powerful aftershock strikes Kathmandu
A powerful, magnitude 6.7 aftershock has shaken the Kathmandu area of Nepal, a day after the massive earthquake devastated the region, sending people yelling and running for open ground.
The US Geological Survey says the aftershock today registered at a shallow depth of six miles.
The ground rumbled as the tremor sent people yelling and running for open ground.
The first earthquake destroyed homes and infrastructure and left more than 1,900 dead.
The US Geological Survey said aftershock damage was very likely within a radius of about 31 miles.
The death toll is expected to climb as more reports come in from far-flung areas.
Among the dead are at least 17 who were struck by a quake-triggered avalanche on Mount Everest that buried part of the base camp packed with foreigners at the end of the climbing season.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake, which originated outside the capital Kathmandu, was the worst to hit the poor Himalayan nation in over 80 years. It destroyed the historic part of the city and was strong enough to be felt across the northern part of neighbouring India, Bangladesh, China’s region of Tibet and Pakistan, where a total of 60 people died.
“There were at least three big quakes at night and early morning. How can we feel safe? This is never-ending and everyone is scared and worried,” said Sundar Sah. “I hardly got much sleep. I was waking up every few hours and glad that I was alive.”
When the earth first shook, residents fled homes and buildings in panic. Walls tumbled, trees swayed, power lines came crashing down and large cracks opened up on streets and walls.
