Five more aftershocks hit Nepal as toll in fresh quake tops 100

KATHMANDU: Five aftershocks jolted Nepal today, triggering panic among the people as the death toll in the powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck the Himalayan nation two days ago climbed to over 100.

Nepal was jolted by the quake on Monday just weeks after a 7.9 magnitude temblor had wreaked havoc in the country, claiming 8,151 lives and leaving 17,861 others injured.

Five small tremors -- measuring between 4 and 5 on the Richter scale --were recorded near Kathmandu as aftershocks continued to jolt the quake-affected region.

A 5-magnitude quake struck at 0325 AM while a 4-magnitude quake was felt at 0905 AM with the epicentre of both the temblors at Dolakha district.

Three other tremors were also recorded by National Seismological Centre here between 12 AM and 0822 AM with their epicentre mainly being in the Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk districts, situated to the east of Kathmandu.

However, no damages were reported from the temblors. The death toll in the 7.3-magnitude quake that struck Nepal on May 13 climbed to 107 with 2,563 others injured, according to the Home Ministry.

The highest number of casualties -- 51 people -- are from the Dolakha district, situated 75 km east of Kathmandu.

Altogether 211 aftershocks have been reported in Nepal after the April 25 quake temblor that left the country devastated with thousands reeling under the impact of the disaster.

Meanwhile, a seven-storeyed building that had developed cracks due to the quake last month collapsed in Kalanki area of Kathmandu today. However, no casualties were reported in the incident.

Rescue workers are searching for survivors from the latest quake. Search is also on for a US military helicopter that was reported missing with six marines and two Nepalese soldiers on board while delivering aid.

Thousands of fear-stricken people spent the night in the open under plastic tents barely shielding them from cold last night.