Early this morning a power earthquake slammed Nepal. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake happened less than 50 miles from the city of Kathmandu, leaving 777 people dead and counting.
The quake occurred 9.3 miles below the earth’s surface which is considered shallow and more damaging than a quake centered deeper under the earth’s crust. Those who experienced the quake reported that it lasted quite a long time. One person reported it felt like, ‘he felt as if he were on a ship in rough seas.’
The scene was devastating as the people of Nepal tried to move among the rumble of the historic buildings. Those with injuries were been treated outside hospital while the aftershocks shook them over and over again. At least 15 aftershocks have been reported so far.
The quake reportedly effected 6.6 million people. The death toll was reported by a spokesman for Nepal’s Ministry for Home Affairs stated that 777 people are already confirmed dead and more expected. The rescue efforts are still in the beginning stages and it is expected that people in surrounding areas were greatly affected as well.
The quake caused an avalanche on Mount Everest sending mountain climbers scrambling to safety. One Twitter user posted, “Everest base camp huge earthquake then huge avalanche from pumori,” Twitter user Alex Gavan said. “Running for life from my tent. Unhurt. Many many people up the mountain.”
Witness, Shiwani Neupane spoke with CNN via Facebook and reported, “There is no power and families are listening to the FM radio inside their cars,” Neupane said. “News of multiple building collapses. I’ve seen many cracked walls and roads and buildings. The Dharara was packed with people a while ago. There are police everywhere trying to move rubble to make space on the roads for ambulances. Everyone is very scared.”
Source CNN
