New Delhi: A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.9 on Richter scale and a series of aftershocks struck Nepal on Saturday. The quakes also jolted parts of North and Northeast India. Widespread damage has been reported from Nepal.


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Here are the live updates:


  • The BBC is reporting that the UK has deployed a team of humanitarian experts to Nepal to provide urgent support. The eight-strong team, which includes experts in search and rescue, will travel to Nepal overnight.
  • In the previous one, some 60 Indians were evacuated. We are expecting two more aircrafts, says Wing Commander Rochelle De Silva.
  • We evacuated 101 adults and one infant in this aircraft: Wing Commander Rochelle De Silva (PRO, IAF).
  • There was no one to take responsibility, happy that Modi Govt took initiative: Indian stranded in Nepal.
  • IAF aircraft (Globemaster C-17) carrying 2nd batch of stranded Indians arrives at Palam, Delhi from earthquake hit Nepal. 
  • Another IAF aircraft carrying about 200 stranded Indians is expected to arrive later tonight in Delhi: Vikas Swarup, MEA Spokesperson.
  • At least 13 people died at a Mount Everest base camp in wake of Nepal quake, says Indian Army.
  • 312 stranded Indians evacuated from Nepal in 3 IAF flights carrying 52, 100 and 160 Indians: Embassy of India KTM to MEA. 
  • Locals on high alert in Bihar after earthquake hit several parts in India, say will spend the night in open-spaced parks. 
  • Have directed army to lend all possible help to the civil administration in Bihar: Manohar Parrikar. 
  • Helicopters could not go due to bad weather. Tomorrow morning there will be more arrangements from Gorakhpur, says Parrikar.
  • Four flights have already gone. We will increase the frequency tomorrow: Manohar Parrikar.
  • We are assessing the situation and seeing what else could be required from our end: Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar. 
  • The people there too were very happy that India sent help in such a short time: MJ Akbar on Nepal earthquake.
  • 55 Indians rescued from Nepal earthquake leave from Palam airport, ANI reports.
  • We were told it was an earthquake. Later we were rescued, thanks to Modi ji, says Indian rescued from Nepal.
  • GoI did a good job. The arrangements were good too, says Anand Rao (Indian rescued from Nepal earthquake). 
  • One C130 Hercules lands at Palam airport with 55 Indians rescued from Nepal.
  • According to media reports at least 1,500 dead in Nepal, India mounts massive rescue operation.
  • India`s ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae tells IANS over phone: "I can confirm only two Indian deaths now -- one in the embassy and one in a hospital." 
  • Air India, SpiceJet to operate additional flights to Kathmandu.
  • Indian Army is also sending Major General JS Sandhu to Nepal to oversee Indian rescue efforts, say Defence sources.
  • Embassy of India Kathmandu Control room numbers are: +977- 012081148, 012081141, 9818968752, 9818968780.
  • French President Francois Hollande says France was ready to respond to any request from Nepal "for aid and assistance". 
  • US President Barack Obama briefed on Nepal earthquake. US to send disaster response team.
  • Kathmandu airport shut, flights to resume from Sunday, as per reports.
  • Around 200 people from various parts of Karnataka are reported to be stranded in quake-hit Nepal.
  • Fresh tremors in Delhi, Nepal measuring 4.7 on Richter scale, according to media reports.
  • Reuters quotes Nepal police as saying that death toll has reached 1,130.
  • C-130 J aircraft of IAF is returning with stranded Indians from Katmandu & is scheduled to land at Palam, Delhi around 10 pm: MoD Spokesperson
  • One C 17 dispatched to Nepal with 96 NDRF personnel on onboard and 15 tonnes of relief material - ANI.
  • SushmaSwaraj responds to a daughter's plea, agrees to help find father.
  • According to media reports, at least 970 people are now feared dead.
  • Yoga guru Ramdev narrowly escapes after 'pandal' collapses in Kathmandu.
  • Google launches "Person Finder" for the Nepal earthquake victims.

 




 


 




 


  • 39 NDRF team from India, 2 dogs and 3 tonnes equipment handed over to Nepal Army for rescue operations: Indian Embassy in Nepal.
  • "Received a call from Pujya Morari Bapu. He has donated Rs 51 Lakh for relief work in Nepal. My deepest gratitude to him," PM Modi tweets.
  • Heartfelt condolences to families of deceased; prayers for speedy recovery of injured on account of earthquake, says President Pranab Mukherjee.
  • Nearly 125 people from Maharashtra and Telangana are stranded in Nepal after a high-magnitude earthquake struck the Himalayan nation.
  • Indian Air Force is evacuating 250 persons from Kathmandu today. Please ask your relatives to get in touch with Indian mission there: MEA's tweets.
  • Meanwhile, Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to thank Akhilesh Yadav for his gesture to offer help to quake effected people.
  • Since there is a usually a probability of after-shocks within 24 hours it’s important that we be alert: Nitish.
  • 133 wounded in Bihar. Information based on feedback of the officers on ground. The figure would rise, says Nitish Kumar.
  • As per the latest info received, the death toll in Bihar has reached 25: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.
  • 180 bodies retrieved from debris of Nepal's historic Dharhara tower, as per reports. 
  • It has been decided that for the coming 3 days, BSNL calls to Nepal will be charged local rates: Ravi Shankar Prasad on Nepal earthquake.
  • UP CM Akhilesh Yadav increases the earthquake relief to Rs 7 lakh for the family members of the deceased person & all medical help to the injured, according to media reports. ​
  • "My thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by the massive earthquake in Nepal and parts of India. I hope the damage to life and property is limited and those in need receive assistance at the earliest," Rahul Gandhi says in his message.
  • Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi express concern over the situation caused by the massive earthquake in Nepal and its impact in India and hoped that the damage to life and property is limited.
  • Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar tweets: “Deeply shocked over the loss of lives and property in the massive earthquake that hit Nepal. Govt. airlifting 20000 food packets tomorrow.”
  •  
  • Meanwhile, according to media reports, another Indian relief aircraft leaves for Nepal from Hindon Airbase.

 



 


  • I spoke to the PM and President of Nepal. Have assured them that our entire nation is with them in this hour of need: PM Modi

 



 


  • Today's earthquake has made us all very sad. Reports are still coming on the extent of the damage: PM Modi.

    • Nepal's pain is our pain, says PM Narendra Modi at the Gyanpith Award ceremony.

    • Earthquake kills 3 in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee calls up PM Narendra Modi.

    • News agency AFP is quoting police officials as saying that death toll from devastating Nepal earthquake hits 876.

    • NDRF teams have been mobilized, GoI is monitoring and we want to minimize loss of property & life, says Kiren Rijiju (MoS Home). 

  • Nepal quake death toll reaches 758: Home Ministry.

  • Biggest quake in Nepal since 1934; aftershocks to continue: NGRI scientist. 

  • IAF’s C-130J Super Hercules which has just landed at Katmandu carried 39 NDRF personnel and 3.5 tonnes of load: MoD Principal spokesperson.

  • According to media reports, 18 dead bodies have been recovered from Everest Base Camp.
  • Reuters is quoting a Nepali diplomat as saying that earthquake toll have crossed 750.
  • NDRF teams and relief material being sent to Kathmandu: Hindon Air Force Station.

 



 



  • Bihar government announces compensation of Rs 4 Lakh for kin of deceased in earthquake, ANI reports.
  • Meanwhile, AFP is quoting a Nepali diplomat as saying that death toll in Everest base camp avalanche triggered by Nepal earthquake kills 10.
  • Government & people of Pakistan express solidarity with affected people of Nepal & India and offer all possible help that may be required, says Pak MoFA.
  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan has been readied to take the relief assistance at a short notice: Pak MoFA.


  • Nepal quake death toll reaches 758, news agency Reuters quotes Nepal home ministry official as saying.
  • National Disaster Management Authority sets up control rooms. The numbers are 011-26701728, 011-26701729 & 9868891801. 
  • Deploying communication equipment, light medicines, technical equipment, sniffer dogs both in Nepal, India, says NDRF chief. 
  • 5 NDRF teams sent to Bihar and UP; 10 NDRF teams flown to Nepal, says chief OP Singh.
  • 6 teams from Ghaziabad, 4 from Bhatinda sent to Nepal. One team has 45 personnel: NDRF chief OP Singh.
  • Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh is in touch with his Nepalese counterpart reagarding their requirements, says Parrikar. 
  • We have mobilised all resources to support Nepal in the wake of devastating earthquake: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar
  • 14 aftershocks have been observed so far with an intensity of 5 and above: IMD chief.
  • According to Baba Ramdev, over 2Lakh people have taken refuge in Tundi Khel Maidan in Kathmandu after earthquake , await relief, says ANI.
  • Ex gratia shall be given to families of those who have lost lives: LC Goyal
  • NDRF teams have been deployed in Bihar after a request from the state govt: Union Home Secretary LC Goyal on the earthquake.
  • 34 dead so far in India due to earthquake: Union Home Secretary LC Goyal.
  • The death toll upto now is 3 in WB, 8 in UP, and 23 in Bihar: Union Home Secretary.
  • We have been in constant touch with affected states:  LC Goyal
  • Union Home Secretary LC Goyal brefing the media.
  • "Indians in Nepal may please contact our mission in Kathmandu. Our mission will provide you all help," Sushma Swaraj tweets.
  • 17 dead, 48 injured in Bihar after Nepal earthquake triggers aftershocks, according to media reports. 
  • Foreign Secretary concludes briefing the media.


  • Prime Minister Modi's instructions were to help Nepal in anyway we can: MEA.
  • Indians who are stranded in Kathmandu & want to get in touch with family here can contact our Embassy in Kathmandu, says S Jaishankar.
  • We have set up help line in the ministry, numbers have been sent out. There is an email ID - "controlroom@mea.gov.in" for any info: MEA.
  • Indians who are stranded in Kathmandu & want to get in touch with family here can contact our Embassy in Kathmandu: S Jaishankar. 
  • There has been severe damage in Kathmandu, our embassy has some damage. One staff member's wife died: MEA on earthquake.
  • Don't have data on how many Indians are travelling in Nepal: Foreign Secretary.
  • No electricity or mobile networks in Nepal quake affected areas: Foreign Secy. 
  • Water, medical equipment, specialised rescue equipments, tents & blanket will be flown in tomorrow by aircraft, says Foreign Secy.
  • One of the 2 aircraft leaving soon from Hindon will be carrying mobile hospital & another 3 NDRF teams: Foreign Secy.
  • There is heavy damage around Kathmandu, by tomorrow 5 helicopters will be placed in Pokhara for airlifting purposes: MEA on earthquake relief.
  • Two more aircrafts will fly off later today, carrying NDRF teams. Third aircraft will fly from Bhatinda: S Jaishankar.
  • C130 aircraft is on it's way,  landing in Kathmandu shortly. Carrying 3 tonnes of supplies, 40 NDRF personnel: MEA on earthquake relief.
  • PM spoke to PM Koirala and assured that India will help with whatever relief efforts possible, says Jaishankar.
  • We are responding to the situation, we got in touch with govt of Nepal: Foreign Secy S Jaishankar.
  • ​Nepalese govt has asked for help with rescue teams, medical teams, and help in damage assessment, says MEA on earthquake.
  • Foreign Secretary briefing the media.
  • External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweets - "A house in our Embassy complex collapsed. Unfortunately, the daughter of our employee Madan has died. His wife's condition is serious."


  • 24-hour control room in MEA, Nepal thanks India for assistance.​

  • Here are the 24x7 emergency helpline numbers in Kathmandu:​ 

  • Police emergency number: 4228435/4226853


    Metropolitan police range (Kathmandu): +977 4261945/ +977 4261790


    Metropolitan police range (Lalitpur): +977 5521207


    Metropolitan police range (Bhaktapur): +977 6614821


    Red cross ambulance service: +977 4228094

  • Emergency declared in Nepal after massive earthquake hit the country.
  • Nepal death toll from quake rises to 688, says Reuters quoting government.
  • CNN says 597 people have been killed in Nepal.
  • Nepal National Operation Centre emergency number: +977-420-0257.
  • According to media reports, number of people killed by earthquake in Bihar rises to 17.
  • Nearly 125 people from Maharashtra and Telangana are stranded in Nepal, as per PTI.
  • The BBC is reporting that death toll from the massive Nepal earthquake has risen to 565.
  • PM orders immediate dispatch of relief and medical teams to Nepal, directs evacuation of Indian tourists.
  • Three people have died in north Bengal. 30 people are injured all over the state until now - Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM
  • Another aftershock has hit Nepal, now total of 16 excluding the first earthquake.
  • Reuters has quoted a Nepal tourism official as saying that an avalanche has buried a part of Nepal Everest base camp after quake and eight people have died in the incident.  
  • Reporters on the ground say most of the buildings and temples that have collapsed in Nepal in the wake of the earthquake are old ones. Most of the newly-built structures have managed to withstand the tremors.
  • According to the MoD spokesperson, one C-130J Superhercules aircraft of the Indian Air Force is on its way to Kathmandu with NDRF teams for relief and rescue efforts. More flights will be undertaken to Nepal to carry medical teams and doctors.
  • Ministry of Defence spokesperson Sitanshu Kar has tweeted that an Indian Army Everest expedition team along with Sherpas are safe.
  • Nepal death toll from quake rises to 449, says Reuters quoting police.
  • There are reports of 10-12 casualties in some states but we are awaiting confirmation. Damage to property also reported - Rajnath Singh.
  • As much help as they (Nepal) want, we will provide. We don't have exact casualty figure in India - Rajnath
  • India will lend full support to Nepal, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh
  • The USGS has again revised the magnitude of the first earthquake to 7.8. Also, so far 15 aftershocks have been recorded in Nepal with magnitudes ranging from 4.5 to 6.6
  • Climbers on Mount Everest were also caught in the major earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday. "We got caught in an earthquake on Everest. We are both ok...snowing here so no choppers coming," an AFP reporter said in an SMS on approach to base camp while on assignment.
  • Death toll due to earthquake in Bihar has reached 15 - ANI
  • High-level emergency meeting on crisis management for earthquake has begun at PM Modi's residence 7, RCR.



  • No information of serious damage has reached us yet: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar
  • In Kathmandu 71 have been reported dead so far: Home Ministry spokesman Laxmi Prasad Dhakal to AFP
  • Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has tweeted that he has directed officials to take steps to restore communication lines on Indo-Nepal border.
  • NDRF teams have been deployed in several districts of Bihar to help citizens in the wake of the earthquake.
  • PM speaks to Nepal PM, Shri Sushil Koirala and assures him of all assistance to deal with the situation arising due to the Earthquake – PIB tweet



  • Most grateful to the immediate offer of assistance from India, both from the PM and the HM - Deep K Upadhyay
  • We need mobile medical assistant units from India. We are requesting for it now. And rescue help as well - Deep K Upadhyay
  • There is serious damage in Kathmandu valley and adjoining districts – Nepal's envoy to India Deep K Upadhyay  
  • 36 bodies have been counted in Kathmandu civil hospital, reports Reuters.
  • PM Modi is in contact with us, have assured that his government will provide full support in this moment of crisis - Deep K Upadhyay
  • From reports of social media and other sources, around 100 people have lost their lives, numbers may increase, says Nepal's envoy to India Deep K Upadhyay.

  • CNN quotes Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs as saying that 150 people have been killed in the earthquake disaster.
  • CNN says 150 people have been killed in Nepal.
  • AFP is quoting a Nepali diplomat as saying that 'possibly hundreds are dead' in the massive Nepal earthquake.
  • Deep Kumar Upadhyay, Nepal's envoy to India, says his government has requested the Indian government for assistance.
  • Tremors were also felt in Bhutan's capital Thimphu; however, there are no reports of any major damage or casualties.
  • Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS Home have met PM Narendra Modi and briefed him on the situation.
  • Reports say as many as 10 people were killed in Nepal's picturesque Pokhara area following the huge earthquake.
  • All flights from India to Nepal have been cancelled as the Kathmandu airport is shut in the wake of a series of earthquakes.
  • IANS reports that a total of five people, including two children, were killed when buildings collapsed in different parts of Bihar following the earthquake. The two children of the same family died in a wall collapse in Bhagalpur. One person each were killed in Sitamarhi, Darbhanga and Vaishali.
  • The Ministry of Defence said that the Indian Army, Air Force and Border Roads Organisation have been put on high alert following the massive earthquake that shook Nepal and northern India.

  • The tremor was also felt in Manipur today.
  • Tremors were also felt in several parts of Odisha triggering panic among the people.
  • The north coastal Andhra Pradesh experienced mild tremors following the powerful earthquake that struck Nepal and parts of north and northeast India. However, no casualty or damage to property were reported.
  • Nepal's information minister has told BBC that there has been massive damage in Gorkha, Lamjung and Bhaktapur.
  • Helpline numbers to contact Indian Embassy in Nepal's Kathmandu are: 00977-9851107021; 00977-9851135141
  • Relief and rescue operations are underway in Nepal where scores have been killed in a series of earthquake on Saturday.
  • Many mountaineers are reported to be missing on Mount Everest which has been hit be several avalanches in the wake of the quake.
  • As per USGS, there have been eight aftershocks so far ranging from magnitude 4.5 to 6.6.  
  • There are also reports of houses collapsing in Tibet.
  • Houses have collapsed in UP's Kushinagar due to the quake.
  • Two people have died in Jalpaiguri due to a wall collapse; one person has died in Bihar's Bettiah also due to a wall collapse, reports ANI.
  • The PM is out of the country, expect him to return, don't know how many dead or extent of damage - Lokendra Bahadur
  • Kathmandu's Durbar Square after a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal.


  • Lot of damage in Kathmandu according to reports. Mobile network isn't working properly so communication has been affected, says former Nepal PM Lokendra Bahadur Chand.

  • Two people have died in Sitamarhi, Bihar - RP Rudy
  • Power has been switched off in North Bihar for safety reasons - RP Rudy
  • PM Modi has put disaster management teams on standby, he is monitoring the situation, says BJP leader RP Rudy.
  • Nepali media reports that around 50 people are trapped in the rubble of the collapsed Dharahara Tower, and not 400 as reported earlier.

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, meanwhile, spoken to Nepali President Ram Baran Yadav and discussed the situation in the wake of the quakes.
  • Scores have died in Nepal due to the quake, Nepali media has reported with TV visuals showing bodies lying on the roads.
  • West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says she is monitoring situation in the state.
  • Two death are also being reported from Bihar Dharbhanga.
  • Two people have reportedly died in UP's Barabanki due to earthquake-related events, while one person has also been killed in Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
  • An emergency meeting of National Crisis Management committee headed by the Indian Cabinet Secretary has been called.
  • There is no preliminary report of damage anywhere in India due to the quake. Government has placed its disaster response agencies on full alert, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
  • There are reports that the quakes have triggered avalanches in Mount Everest region. Base camp of mountaineers is also reported to have been hit.
  • Many historic temples have also been reduced to rubble in Nepal, say reports.
  • Kathmandu airport has been shut post the earthquake; all flights have been diverted to India
  • Earthquake in Delhi. I appeal to people to maintain calm. Officials out in the field to assess the situation – Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweets
  • A part of building has collapsed in Siliguri, West Bengal, due to the quake, reports ANI.
  • Nepal's Lamjung, the epicentre of the quake, has reportedly flattened and only few buildings there are believed to be standing.
  • There are reports of cracks developing at the airport in Kathmandu.
  • Dharahara Tower / Bhimsen Tower, a 19th century nine-storey tall tower in Kathmandu, has collapsed, say reports. Nearly 400 people are believed to be trapped.
  • Reuters is reporting at least two deaths in the Nepal quake so far.
  • The PMO has also spoken to the Indian Embassy in Bhutan in the wake of the earthquake. Embassy is in touch with top Bhutan officials as well – PMO tweet
  • PM Modi has spoken to Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav in the wake of the earthquake.  
  • PMO has tweeted that PM Modi has convened a high-level meeting with ministers and top officials at 3 pm today in the wake of the situation arising due to the earthquake.
  • PM Modi has instructed Rajiv Pratap Rudy to take stock of situation in Bihar/UP districts along Nepal border.

  • On instructions of PM Modi, all disaster management mechanisms have been activated in districts of Bihar/UP along Nepal border.
  • News agency IANS has reported that at least one person was killed when an old building collapsed in the premises of the Indian consulate in Kathmandu. The dead person was a Nepalese national, according to a Nepal-based journalist.
  • The USGS has upgraded the magnitude of the first Nepal earthquake to 7.9 with a depth of 15 kilometres.


  • Dozens of people with injuries are being rushed to the main hospital in central Kathmandu. There are however no immediate estimate on fatalities.
  • News agency Associated Press is reporting that walls have toppled and buildings have collapsed in Kathmandu.
  • Authorities are not ruling out more aftershocks.
  • Sources say major damage is expected at the epicentre of the quake.
  • Information is being collected from all districts, everyone is on the field - Nitish Kumar
  • Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has asked the state administration to asses the situation following tremors.  
  • The quakes were also felt in parts of Nepal, say reports.
  • Stampede has been reported from Kutchery in Varanasi following the earthquake. More details are awaited.
  • Tremors were also felt in North India, in cities like Delhi and Jaipur - Rathore
  • The aftershock was of 6.6 magnitude and epicentre was at around the same place near Lamjung in Nepal - Rathore
  • The intensity of the initial quake was 5 in Delhi - Rathore
  • Earthquake of magnitude 7.5 was felt in north-west of Kathmandu, intense tremors felt in Bihar and West Bengal - LS Rathore, DG, Met department
  • The BBC reports some buildings have been damaged in the quake in Nepal but there has been no initial word on any casualties.
  • Earthquake of magnitude 7.5 occurred today at 11.41 am between latitude 28.1 North and Longitude 84.6 East. The epicentre was located in Nepal, an IMD statement said.

  • A major aftershock is being experienced in North India.
  • Mobile phone services affected across Nepal.
  • Delhi Metro services were briefly suspended after the quake.

  • There are reports of widespread damage in Nepal.
  • People were seen rushing out of their homes and offices.
  • The tremors in Delhi were felt for over a minute.
  • In India, tremors were felt in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim.
  • The magnitude of the quake in Nepal was recorded at 7.5 on the Richter scale, as per the USGS.
  • As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre of the quake was at a place in Nepal 34 kilometres south-east of Lamjung and 77 kilometres north-west of capital Kathmandu. The depth of the quake was 10 kilometres.
  • A major earthquake has struck the North and Northeast India just before noon.