DHAKA: A major earthquake has struck eastern Nepal, near Mount Everest, two weeks after more than 8,000 people died in a devastating quake.

At least 42 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured, officials say. At least 17 have also died in India.

The latest earthquake hit near the town of Namche Bazaar and sent thousands of panicked residents on to the streets on the capital, Kathmandu.

It had a magnitude of 7.3, compared with the 7.8 of the 25 April quake.

The latest tremor was also felt in northern India and Bangladesh. It was centered about 76km east of Kathmandu, in a rural area close to the Chinese border.

India’s home ministry said 16 people had been killed in the state of Bihar, and one more in Uttar Pradesh. Officials in China said one person was confirmed dead in Tibet.

The quake struck at 12:35 Nepali time (06:50 GMT). Rescue helicopters have been sent to districts north-east of the capital, that are believed to be worst hit.

A spokesman for Nepal’s government told the media that 31 of the country’s 75 districts had been affected.

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala called for ‘courage and patience’ and urged all those who had assisted Nepal since the 25 April quake ‘to once again extend your helping hand’, reports the BBC.

BDST: 2047 HRS, MAY 12, 2015
RR

** 19 dead, 1,000 injured in fresh Nepal quake