Image: Nishant Beria
By NewsGram Staff Writer
Updated data by US Geological Survey have raised the magnitude of the morning earthquake in Nepal to 7.9. The massive earthquake has toppled houses' walls and destroyed ancient temples.
The epicenter of the quake was in Pokhra. According to Indian Metriological Department, the epicenter was at Lat. 28.1°N , Long. 84.8°E, although its aftershocks were felt in Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad.
Pictures showing severed buildings have started appearing from Nepal. Dharahara Tower, also known as Bhimsen Tower, in Kathmandu, a nine story structure has also collapsed.
As of now, no estimate on the number of deaths has come out; however, a news agency has reported that about 100 people have died due to the quake.
Image: Prabhas Sharma
Nepal's Information Minister Minendra Rija said, "We need support from the various international agencies which are more knowledgeable and equipped to handle the kind of emergency we face now."
Meanwhile, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has convened a high level meeting with ministers and top officials at 3 PM. He is also trying to contact Nepal PM, Shri Sushil Koirala, who is not in the country right now.
Expressing concern over the issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, 'We are in the process of finding more information and are working to reach out to those affected, both at home & in Nepal.'
Mountaineer Daniel Mazur has also tweeted, "A massive earthquake just hit Everest. Basecamp has been severely damaged. Our team is caught in camp 1. Please pray for everyone."
It is said to be the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in 80 years. In 1934, Kathmandu was devastated by an enormous earthquake.