Nepal earthquake destroys ancient monuments, killing hundreds of visitors
by Tom Anstey | 28 Apr 2015
Hundreds are feared dead following the collapse of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal after last week’s earthquake, which claimed thousands of lives across the country.
The massive quake, which has left more than 3,700 dead – injuring a further 6,500 people and counting – has taken a massive human and cultural toll on Nepal.
The Dharahara Tower, a military watchtower first built in the 19th century to honour a queen, was destroyed in 1833 and 1934 by earthquakes. The latest incarnation of the tower, which was popular with visiting tourists, collapsed in the 7.8 magnitude quake, which struck on 25 April. Reports indicate as many as 200 people were inside the tower, with bodies still being pulled out of the rubble on-site.
“That is instant disaster on a large scale and you can’t exaggerate it,” said Jack Ives, a geographer working in Nepal, speaking to the National Post. “The damage to that World Heritage architecture is an appalling loss and we can’t measure the impact until we get more details. “Reconstruction has been very effective (after past quakes), but that doesn’t say anything about the appalling loss of life.”
The quake has also caused devastation to Kathmandu’s seven World Heritage sites, as well as the Boudhanath Buddhist shrine, which was largely destroyed.
Speaking to reporters, Christian Manhart, UNESCO’s representative to Nepal, said the body was “assessing the situation and collecting information on what the damage is.” He added that it is currently unclear whether all of these ancient monuments can, or will, be rebuilt.
All of Kathmandu's heritage sites have been severely damaged by the quake Credit: Flickr.com/Doinik Barta
Up to 200 people were thought to be inside the Dharahara Tower when it collapsed Credit: Flickr.com/Doinik Barta
26 Apr 2015
Spa industry's Christine Hays has been caught up in the Nepal earthquake.
23 Mar 2015
Italy calls for UN force to protect ancient heritage sites
09 Dec 2014
UNESCO calls for 'cultural zones' to protect Syria and Iraq's heritage sites
Hundreds are feared dead following the collapse of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal after last week’s earthquake, which claimed thousands of lives across the country. The massive quake, which has left more than 3,700 dead – injuring a further 6,500 people and counting – has taken a massive human and cultural toll on Nepal. The Dharahara Tower, a military watchtower first built in the 19th century to honour
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