" Major Earthquake in Nepal Leaves Hundreds Dead"

[Gawdzilla Sama]

An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 shook Nepal on Saturday near its capital, Katmandu. People in the capital described scenes of panic and collapsed buildings, and the United States Geological Survey predicted very severe damage to villages near the quake’s epicenter, about 50 miles from Katmandu.
A spokesperson for Nepal’s home ministry said the preliminary death toll stood at 211, and that thousands of people had been injured. Trekkers reported a major avalanche on Mount Everest, with some teams reported missing. In addition, 13 deaths had been reported in India by midafternoon.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/26/world/asia/nepal-earthquake-katmandu.html?emc=edit_na_20150425

 

[Jango]

Some reports are saying now that 900+ are dead.

 

[shemp]

Unfortunately, it's going to go much higher.

 

[BenBurch]

Unfortunately, it's going to go much higher.

I'm afraid you have to be correct.

 

[Newtons Bit]

Looks like a lot of unreinforced masonry and stone buildings. They didn't stand a chance.

 

[crescent]

I used to live in Nepal. Lots of buildings with unreinforced masonry, lots of political and social service corruption that lowers safety standards. I am guessing that the death toll will be well over 10,000.

All of the old temples seem to have collapsed as well.

 

[Monketi Ghost]

Oof.
Poor Nepal.

 

[Trebuchet]

The plates are still colliding, the Himalaya are still growing. A rough place to live.

There are reports of a massive avalanche at Everest base camp, and many climbers on the mountain.

 

[BenBurch]

Many injured on Everest. And good luck getting evacuated from there in the middle of a general catastrophe!

 

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Nepal earthquake: Death toll passes 1,000

 

[KatieG]

Nepal earthquake: Death toll passes 1,000

Latest article I just read has it over 1500 now.

 

[Skeptic Ginger]

It's awful. At least it's spring and not the middle of winter but that's a two edged sword since it means more people would be there.

 

[crescent]

I am hearing through Facebook that all of the Peace Corps Volunteers in Nepal are safe and accounted for. That's something, at least.

 

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Why Nepal is so vulnerable to quakes

For those of you who have to explain the science to others.

 

[KatieG]

The pictures are so heartbreaking, they take my breath away. I know 2 friends from Dallas that are heading there for search and rescue.

 

[MG1962]

Many injured on Everest. And good luck getting evacuated from there in the middle of a general catastrophe!

A few hours ago they were saying confirmed 18 dead on the mountain

 

[Gawdzilla Sama]

The pictures are so heartbreaking, they take my breath away. I know 2 friends from Dallas that are heading there for search and rescue.

Send them a salute from me, please.

 

[Orphia Nay]

Nepal was the first place I ever travelled to as an adult. A beautiful place.

 

[AdMan]

Very, very sad. I also think the death toll is unfortunately going to rise much higher once they are able to reach the more outlying villages.

It's awful also think that there may be Everest climbers who may be caught and not able to get down from higher elevations. Not to mention those who are already injured on the mountain.

 

[AdMan]

Send them a salute from me, please. [qimg]http://rationalia.com/forum/images/smilies/salute.gif[/qimg]

Seconded.