Two mild tremors felt near Kathmandu

Kathmandu, May 22: Two mild tremors today struck near Kathmandu, keeping people on edge in Nepal, battered by the April 25 earthquake and aftershocks that killed nearly 9,000 people.

The first aftershock was felt at 2.45 pm this afternoon with its epicentre at Nuwakot-Dhading situated in the west of Kathmandu. The second aftershock measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale was recorded at 4.44 pm with its epicentre at Dhading Nuwakot, according to Nepal Seismological Centre.

Over 254 aftershocks of over 4 magnitude have been recorded in the country since the April 25 earthquake. The 7.9-magnitude earthquake which struck Nepal on April 25 and another measuring 7.3 on the Richter Scale on May 12 have left nearly 9,000 people dead and destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of houses.

Nepal has announced a USD 2 billion earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation fund, with the government contributing USD 200 million and seeking the remainder from donor agencies and nations. The government plans to hold an international conference next month to seek financial support.

PTI