May 12, 2015 – At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and about 981 people injured as earthquake of a magnitude measuring 7.3 metres on the Richter scale hit Kathmandu, east of Nepal and other cities.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake could be felt as far away as northern India and Bangladesh. Buildings were affected in New Delhi, sending office workers into panic. Siliguri, near the border with Nepal was also affected as residents said concrete wall fell on one or two buildings.
Five people were killed in Indian states bordering Nepal – one in Uttar Pradesh and four in Bihar, officials said while Chinese media reported one person dead in Tibet after rocks fell on a car.
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs said the death toll from the quake has reached 19, with 981 injured. According to Police spokesman Kamal Singh Bam, four people were killed in Chautara town in Sindhupalchowk district while three people died in capital Kathmandu.
He said that the number of deaths is likely to go up as they await news from other areas. State Disaster Management control room said they have received reports related to deaths from several parts of the state.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was at his 7 Circular Road residence was said to have rushed out due to impact on the building.
