Several dead as Nepal 7.9 magnitude earthquake destroys buildings

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake in Nepal has caused extensive damage in the capital Kathmandu, bringing down buildings and walls. Several people are confirmed to have died, with more fatalities feared. A 15-year-girl was killed in a building collapse in India near the Nepal border, while another child died when a statue fell in a park outside Kathmandu. At least one body has also been removed from the city’s iconic nine-storey Dharahara tower which was destroyed in the quake. At least 50 people are trapped under the rubble of the 19th Century building, also known as the Bhimsen Tower.

It was a pretty massive earthquake here, the strongest I’ve ever felt in my life.

Photojournalist Nayantara, who is in Pokhara, speaking to Sky News

Dozens of people with injuries have been brought to the densely-populated city’s main hospital. Nepal’s Information Minister Minendra Rijal has told India’s NDTV station that rescue teams are at the scene. The quake struck 80km (50 miles) east of the central city of Pokhara, close to the capital, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Residents have been warned to stay outdoors, with more aftershocks feared. Strong tremors were also felt as far away as Pakistan and Bangladesh.

We are in the process of finding more information and are working to reach out to those affected, both at home & in Nepal.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted

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