Powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake rocks Nepal
The quake’s epicenter less than 50 miles from capital city of Kathmandu. Hundreds dead and many historic buildings collapsed.
The death toll is still rising from the powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake – an extremely strong earthquake – in Nepal today (April 25, 2015). Hundreds are reported to have died from the quake so far, which wrecked many historic buildings. USGS originally reported the quake at a 7.5-magnitude and later upgraded this estimate. The quake took place at 6:11 UTC (1:11 a.m. CDT). This powerful quake’s tremors were felt across the region, and into neighboring India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The quake struck between the capital Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara about 120 miles (200 km) away. At least one strong aftershock (6.6 magnitude) has already occurred, with many smaller aftershocks, and more are expected.
Nepali minister reports “massive damage” at the epicenter.
– Preliminary death toll at 686 at 7:30 a.m. CDT (1230 UTC), according to the New York Times.
– Eight bodies recovered from Mount Everest after an avalanche triggered by the quake in Nepal.
– The landmark Dharahara tower is among buildings reduced to rubble in Kathmandu.
Get continuous updates from the BBC on the scene at the quake location
Journalist Siobhan Heanue, of ABC News Australia, was in Kathmandu when the quake struck. She tweeted the following shocking before-and-after images:
I took these photos an hour apart. Was wandering when quake demolished temples before my eyes. Heartbreaking.
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