Two dead, many trapped, Kathmandu airport closed

KATHMANDU: According to information available, there was widespread devastation in Hanmandhoka area in the old area of Kathmandu.

Several casualties were feared as buildings collapsed. At least two people were killed. A 15-year-old girl was killed when the wall of her home collapsed in a village near the border with Nepal. Another girl was killed by a falling statue in a town outside Kathmandu, according to Nepal's state radio.

Authorities said they were still trying to assess the situation.

There was rubble where the buildings once stood. In at least one case, there was a long and wide crack on a metalled road.

Initial reports indicated that telephone connectivity was snapped in and around Lamjung, which was the epicentre of the quake.

There were reports of people with broken limbs being taken to hospital.

Kathmandu airport is closed. Flights are reportedly being diverted to India.