KATHMANDU: An earthquake measuring five on the Richter scale jolted Nepal late night Tuesday, sending shock waves to the already panicky people in Kathmandu.
People in this capital city and elsewhere ran out to the streets screaming, braving a strong storm and rain that followed the earthquake.
The epicentre of the earthquake was Rasuwa, about 50 km north of Kathmandu, said the government National Seismology Centre (NSC).
No fresh human casualties and damage have been reported due to Tuesday’s earthquake, according to the Home Ministry.
The powerful storm caused damage in Kathmandu and other districts but detailed reports have yet to be received, said Home Ministry spokesman Laxmi Prasad Dhakal.
Earlier, other four tremors of over four magnitude shook Kathmandu and its vicinity Tuesday.
More than 30,000 aftershocks with 373 of them over four magnitude have been felt since the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, killing at least 8,600 people.
Even a month after the first powerful earthquake occurred, many people in Kathmandu are still living under tents in open spaces due to fear of another powerful trembler.
The government has asked the people to return to their houses and lead a normal life, saying there is no chance of another big earthquake in the near future.
However, people have ignored the government’s call and continue to live in tents due mainly to the continued aftershocks.
Seismologists said the aftershocks are a normal occurrence and may continue for months.
“Aftershocks occur everywhere in the world for some period after an earthquake and people should take them as normal as the aftershocks will continue to occur for some time more in Nepal as well,” said Som Lal Sapkota of the NSC.
“There should not be any panic as there is virtually no chance of another powerful earthquake again in the near future,” he said.
More than half a million houses have been destroyed by the earthquakes and those who have lost houses have asked the government to help build temporary shelters before the monsoon rains begin. Monsoon rains begin to lash Nepal in June and last until September.
The government has promised to build temporary shelters soon and reconstruct damaged buildings and structures in three years. --BERNAMA