Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nepal earthquake: Drone footage captures the devastated rubble of capital city Kathmandu

More than 4,000 people are believed to have died in the worst earthquake to strike the mountainous country in 80 years

Rose Troup Buchanan
Monday 27 April 2015 16:20 BST
Comments
Footage from the drone
Footage from the drone (Still, via YouTube)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Shocking drone footage has emerged of Nepal’s devastated capital city Kathmandu in the wake of the earthquake on Saturday.

More than 4,000 people are believed to have died after the strongest earthquake to hit the country since 1934 occurred on Saturday morning.

As the death toll continues to rise, with information about outlying areas scarce, the footage from the capital and nearby villages shows a glimpse of what life is like for the thousands of residents now camping in and outside the city.

Many buildings, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, lie destroyed or wrecked. The camera can be seen hovering above the devastated ruins of historical sites, many of which formed the lifeblood of Nepal's tourist industry.

Although some buildings appear to be intact, aid agencies have reported that thousands are too terrified to return to their homes – instead choosing to sleep in the open – following aftershocks.

"The government has asked them not to go back to their homes because there have been 65 aftershocks since the earthquake. Electricity and water are cut off, so supplying potable water is urgent," Mariona Minet of Spain’s Oxfam International told the Associated Press.

Other international aid organisations have also launched global appeals for safe water and sanitation facilities amid fears that diseases, such as cholera, could affect those sheltering outside the city.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in