Aftershocks in Nepal take death toll to 2200

A powerful, magnitude 6.7 aftershock has shaken the Kathmandu area of Nepal a day after the massive earthquake devastated the region, sending people yelling and running for open ground. Tremors were felt in most parts of north and northeast India including Kolkata, Siliguri and Assam. Minutes after the first aftershock, Nepal felt another measuring 5.0 in magnitude.

The US Geological Survey says the aftershock on Sunday registered at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). 1,910 people were killed in Nepal, at least 57 in India, 17 in Tibet and two in Bangladesh. Two Chinese citizens died at the Nepal-China border.

The earthquake hit a heavily populated area of Nepal, including the capital, Kathmandu, and its impact spread far beyond the Kathmandu Valley. Strong aftershocks were felt as late as Sunday morning.

Local hospitals are rapidly filling with injured residents, and Kathmandu’s international airport remains shut.

India was quick to come to Nepal’s aid with four IAF transport aircraft carrying about 10 National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams, totalling 450 personnel, reaching Nepal on Saturday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone with President Ram Baran Yadav and assured all the help required.

4.35 pm: A total of 311 pilgrims and tourists from Tamil Nadu are stranded in quake hit Nepal and efforts have been taken to ensure their safe return, besides setting up help desks, the state government said on Sunday. Relatives of those in Nepal may contact help desks in Tamil Nadu House in Delhi through 011-21493460, 011-24193456.