Earthquake LIVE update: Toll mounts to 500 in Nepal, 30 in India

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A damaged road after a powerful earthquake in Kathmandu. Photo: PTIEarthquake reported in Delhi, Bihar, UP, West Bengal. Tremors were felt in Delhi and NCR region for a minute at 11.44 am.
An earthquake measuring 7.9 magnitude struck 80 km east of Pokhara in Nepal on Saturday, about half way between the town and the capital Kathmandu, the U.S. Geological Survey said, and witnesses said some buldings in Kathmandu had collapsed.

As many as 500 people have been killed in the earthquake, said a Nepalese official in DelhiDeputy Chief of Mission of Nepal High Commission in New Delhi, Krishna Prasad Dhakal, told the media that according to local reports reaching here, at least 500 people have been killed across Nepal.
"We are trying to ascertain the exact number (of casualties)," he said.


He also said that the Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, who had gone to Thailand on an official visit, is cutting short his sojourn and coming back immediately.
Nepal death toll from quake rises to 449, say police
The death toll from a powerful quake that struck Nepal on Saturday has risen to 449, most of it in the Kathmandu Valley, police said.
The quake measuring 7.9 is the strongest to hit the country in 81 years. "The number of dead so far is 449," police deputy inspector general Kamal Singh Bam said.
4.14 pm: 24-hr control room in MEA, Nepal thanks India for assistance
A control room has been set up in Ministry of External Affairs to provide all help and information round the clock. The numbers to the 24-hour Control Room are +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104 and +91 11 2301 7905, an official statement said.
Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh has expressed solidarity with Nepal, saying India stands by it in this hour of distress.
4.00 pm: There are reports of 10-12 casualties in some states but we are awaiting confirmation. Damage to property also reported: Rajnath Singh
Damage due to earthquake in Nepal.3.45 pm: Indian flights to Kathmandu put on hold
Indian Domestic airlines on Saturday put on hold their services to the Nepal capital Kathmandu, following the closure of runway due to a powerful earthquake that rocked central part of the Himalyan country, causing extensive damage to buildings.
All Indian carriers- national airline Air India and private carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet, have put on hold their flight services till they get a go-ahead from the Nepalese aviation authorities.
3.40 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to his Nepalese counterpart Sushil Koirala, assures him all help.

Nepal emergency numbers

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