A massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on Saturday, killing hundreds of people and leaving homes and ancient temples in the capital city of Kathmandu in complete shambles.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the tremblor struck 11:41 a.m. local time (05:51 a.m. GMT) less than 50 miles from Kathmandu. It registered a shallow depth of 9.3 miles, making it more devastating than an earthquake coming from deeper beneath the crust of the earth. The locals said the quake felt like it lasted a very long time.
The total number of casualties has yet to be confirmed but ongoing reports put the death toll at almost 900.
The USGS initially recorded the Nepal earthquake at a 7.5 magnitude but later upgraded the strength rating. The agency also reported several aftershocks, including strengths of about 6.6 and 5.1 magnitude.
The tremors were felt as far as New Delhi in India, which is 200 miles from Nepal.
Shristi Mainali, a 21-year-old nursing student living in Kathmandu, recounted her experience during the earthquake.
"It lasted for more than a minute ... it was really shaking, shaking, shaking," she said.
Mainali said that her neighbors quickly ran out of their homes after the initial tremor and the subsequent aftershocks.
"They are terrified that the aftershocks may come again," Mainali said. "We are staying away from big walls, sitting in the middle of the road."
The earthquake destroyed many buildings and roads in and around the center of Old Kathmandu, including Hindu temples and residences.
One of the ancient towers in the capital, the Dharara Tower, which was built during the 19th century, collapsed, reportedly trapping 50 people underneath.
Mountaineers at Mount Everest reported that the quake also caused an avalanche.
Alex Gavan, a mountaineer who was on Mount Pumori, about 5 miles west of Mount Everest, tweeted during the tremors.
"Everest base camp huge earthquake then huge avalanche from [Mount] pumori. Running for life from my tent. Unhurt. Many many people up the mountain," Gavan said.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged government support to the victims of the massive earthquake through a tweet.
"We are in the process of finding more information and are working to reach out to those affected, both at home and in Nepal," Modi said.
