Mourning Nepal marks first anniversary of deadly quake

Apr 25, 2016, 08:43

Hundreds of Nepalese today held memorial services to mark the first anniversary of last year's devastating natural disaster that killed almost 9,000 people, as victims still forced to live in tents accused the government of failing to look after them.

In Kathmandu, Prime Minister K.P. Oli led a day of mourning Sunday, placing a wreath at the remains of the Dharahara, or Bhimsen Tower, which collapsed during the quake, killing 132 people.

The 7.8-magnitude quake struck high in the Himalayas minutes before noon on a sunny Saturday, toppling one million houses, upending roads and turning hundreds of mountain villages into ruins that left about 9000 people dead and 22,000 injured.

Thousands of people gathered at the tourist landmark, which was damaged during the 7.8-magnitude quake. He returned on Sunday with a bouquet of flowers and candles.

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Another Korean War veteran to make the trip Saturday, Sylvester Nord, was in the Army's Infantry during the conflict. They're heading to our nation's capital to see the monuments and memorials in their honor.

"They have to remember those who died, but first they have to remember us survivors and come here to help us", said the 40-year-old, who earns 35 rupees (R 4,80; 32 USA cents) a day from knitting gloves.

About 100 protesters, demonstrating against the slow rebuilding of the homes, scuffled with police outside the prime minister's office.

The Red Cross handed out more than 130,000 emergency housing provisions during the months that followed the quake, but Nepalese government has been slow to rebuild affected areas and homes, the organization said. They also expressed desire on working with the Government of Nepal and other development partners on the reconstruction efforts.

"There were many people killed here on that day".

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The country has received $1.28 billion in foreign aid with another $2.82 billion pledged by outside nations, the Associated Press reported.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, an estimated 4 million people are still living in sub-standard temporary shelters in conditions that pose a threat to their health and well-being.

Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel said the delay was because it was necessary to conduct a detailed survey of the damaged houses before reconstruction could begin.

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The jet typically cruises at a speed of 28mph (45kph), but it can reach double that depending on the strength of the sun's rays. Piccard said he uses self-hypnosis to keep his energy up and puts heating pads inside his shoes and gloves for warmth.