A new earthquake measuring 7.3 magnitude struck today (12 May) at 12:50 local time (UTC +5:45). The epicentre was southeast of Kodari (Sindhupalchowk District), 76 km northeast of Kathmandu – an area already affected by the 25 April quake. For a map of the epicenter please click here.
The initial quake was followed by several aftershocks including a 5.6 magnitude tremor with the epicentre in Kodari and a 6.3magnitude one with the epicentre in Ramechhap District. Strong aftershocks continue to be felt.
Landslides were reported in Langtang Region in the Himalayas. Many areas around the epicentre are particularly susceptible to landslides.
As of 16:00 local time (UTC +5:45), there are reports so far of 24 people dead and another 543 injured. 5 people were reported rescued in Charikot. Reports of people buried under rubble are also coming in from across the country, including from Tatopani.
Some buildings damaged by the 25 April quake collapsed today in Gorkha District and Chautara (Sindhupalchowk District). New damage to housing and infrastructure is also being reported across the districts.
The earthquake caused some panic and many people fled to and remain in open spaces.
The existing camps in Chautara remain open and are accommodating additional people. People in other areas are also expected to remain in the open air areas. The Nepalese Army is requesting additional shelter as it expects people to stay in the open overnight.
National search and rescue (SAR) teams have been deployed. The Government of Nepal advised it dispatched military helicopters to assess damage and possibly provide emergency health assistance. The Government has also asked the hospitals in affected areas, including Kathmandu, to remain on stand-by to treat the injured. No request for international SAR teams was made. International SAR teams, which remain in the country, were requested to support the response. No additional international assistance has been requested so far.
Phone lines and traffic in Kathmandu are congested The Kathmandu Airport is now closed.
The next update will be issued as soon as additional information becomes available.
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Publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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(2015
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Type / Script:
Bulletin or Poster
in English
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Keywords:
NATURAL DISASTERS, EARTHQUAKES, DISASTER-PRONE AREAS, DISASTER RELIEF, DISASTER VICTIMS, NATURAL PHENOMENA, SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS, SEISMIC ACTIVITY, EARTHQUAKE ZONES, NATURAL PHENOMENA, GEOLOGICAL FAULTS, LANDFORMS, PLATE TECTONICS, HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, INTERNATIONAL RELIEF
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Thematic Group:
UNOCHA
:
Humanitarian Coordination and Affair
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Thesaurus:
13.02.00
- Disaster Prevention, Preparedness And Relief
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Reference Link:
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