Nepal observes third anniversary of devastating earthquake

Kathmandu, April 25 (PTI): Hundreds of people gathered in the midst of the remains of historic shrine of Kashthamandap in the heart of Nepal’s capital city to remember victims of the 2015 earthequake, with prime minister K P Oli vowing to rebuild the heritage sites devastated in the tragedy.

The earthquake had killed around 9,000 people and injured more than 22,000 in 2015.

The people gathered at Kashthamandap observed silence and lit candles to remember victims.

The magnitude 7.8 quake and its aftershocks damaged or destroyed nearly one million buildings and displaced millions of people.

Even after three years of the devastating incident, many people are still struggling to rebuild their homes despite international pledges of more than USD 4 billion in aid.

The Nepal government has been criticised for its slow progress in the reconstruction and rehabilitation works.

Addressing a gathering held in the ruins of the historical nine-storey historic tower Dharahara, Prime Minister Oli vowed to intensify reconstruction efforts.

“Let’s rebuild our heritage sites like Dharahara, Rani Pokhari, Kasthamandap and Basantapur,” Oli said.

The devastating quake damaged 753 cultural heritage sites of the country which were the major attractions for tourists.