Over 40 killed in Nepal earthquake, 17 die in India

The fresh quake has left more than 1000 people injured.

In India 17 deaths, mostly in Bihar, have been reported as tremors were  felt in Delhi, Bihar, Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, Sikkim and Himachal. People of Chennai in Tamil Nadu also felt the quake.

"17 casualties, - 16 in Bihar and 1 in Uttar Pradesh, - have been reported from the States. Control Room with phone number 011-1078 is functioning in NDMA round the clock," the Indian Home Ministry said in a statement.

Several houses have been damaged in Nepal which was hit by a massive quake and several aftershocks in recent times.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake registered 7.3 on the Richter scale, occurred at 12.45 pm(local time). The ground shook for at least 25 seconds.

Apart from the 7.3 earthquake, aftershocks were also experienced by the nation.

The aftershocks ranged from 4.2 to 6.2 on the Richter Scale, India Meteorological Department website said on Tuesday.

Initial reports suggested that the epicentre was Afghanistan but it, later it was changed to Zham on the China-Nepal border about 83 kms east of Kathmandu and then finally to Kodari, Nepal.

The airport in Kathmandu was shut down soon after the quake.

Three major landslides were also reported in Nepal's Sindhupalchowk region.

Continuing the efforts by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to help Nepal which was struck by severe earthquakes in recent times, relief was being provided to the people in distress across Nepal including remote and inaccessible areas.

Six IAF Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH) are positioned at Kathmandu.  Two MLHs are positioned at Pokhara.

The most affected areas where casualty evacuation  were carried in the past few days are Chautara, Charkot, Dhading, Melum, Lukla, Aroghat, Dhunche, Trishuli, Ramchap, Barpak, Narayan Chor, Namchi Bazar and Tatopani.

"Till 0800 hrs today, 51 sorties were carried out by helicopters evacuating 155 people to safer places. 01 casualty was evacuated.  The load carried by these helicopters till 0800hrs today was 17.9 tons," an IAF statment said.

One mission was carried out by C-17 transport aircraft carrying 25 tons of load.

The Indian Army also continued to provide aid to affected population and areas in close coordination and cooperation with the Nepal Army.
        
The ALHs continue to be employed for rescue efforts in Pokhara and adjoining areas in spite of weather and terrain limitations and have conducted 30 sorties, evacuated 2 persons, moved 11 others apart from delivering 25.6 tons of relief material since May 9. Army and IAF Helicopters combined have moved over 56.69 tons of relief stores in the last three days alone.

The Everest Team which was located at Namchi Bazaar when the earthquake struck on Tuesday has been reported to be safe and moving towards  Syangboche Airfield.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a meeting and directed authorities to be on alert for rescue and relief operations.

"Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today took stock of the situation following the fresh major earthquake felt in Nepal and parts of India, at a high-level meeting," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

"The Prime Minister directed all concerned authorities to be on alert for carrying out rescue and relief operations, as required," it said.

In Delhi, buildings trembled for more than a minute and people ran into the streets. Metro services were halted for some time.

Following the quake, Metro Railway services were suspended in Kolkata.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been put on alert.