19 people die in Nepal earthquake, India

There were at least 19 people dead and dozens injured in Nepal and northern India, after a strong earthquake 6.8 magnitude attacked two countries yesterday.

According to BBC , there are five people dead in Nepal, in which three people were crushed when a wall of the British embassy collapsed in the capital Kathmandu. At least five people died in the state of Sikkim and 6 people in other regions of India. Meanwhile, the news agency AFP update the latest death toll is 19 people. This year also had a few earthquakes strike this area, but did not cause major damage as battle happened.

Position the quake epicenter in the state of Sikkim, India. (Photo: AFP)

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) earthquake occurred in the state of Sikkim, Northeast India at 18h10 (local time), followed by two strong aftershocks. Telephone lines were cut off across the state, while the power is lost, making the capital Gangtok in darkness only a few seconds after the quake struck. The quake was also felt in Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Indian television channels reported many houses were dilapidated, while the sidewalks are cracked, the speed at Gangtok. They said the two main roads in the city has a population of 50,000 persons were severely damaged. According to senior officials of the state of Sikkim Karma Gyatso, the state has more than five people were killed and 50 wounded. Jasbir Singh police chief, said rescue teams are continuing to search for people trapped under rubble in the city.

Among the victims, who died stampede when frightened masses fleeing a town in eastern Bihar state, while others were killed near Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.

One man looked away the wall collapsed because of earthquakes in Kathmandu, Nepal. (Photo: AFP)

In Kathmandu, Nepal, the epicenter about 270km to the west, many houses were evacuated, traffic congestion due to earthquakes. "Four people were injured when a wall fell after the earthquake. All of them have been taken to hospital, but three who did not survive, "Kedar Rijal, Kathmandu police chief told Reuters . Among the dead was a child 8 years old.

Secretary of India Ajit Seth said Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has dispatched rescue teams from neighboring states to the state of Sikkim after an emergency meeting.