Workers repair a crack on a flyover after tremors in Kolkata on Saturday (Press Trust of India photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a meeting following fresh tremors across large parts of north India, caused by a strong 6.7 magnitude aftershock in Nepal. Over 2,200 people were killed in Nepal after a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake on Saturday. More than 60 people died in India.
Here are the latest developments:
"India is with Nepal in this hour of crisis... rescue operations are a priority," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today in his monthly radio-address Mann ki Baat. He is personally monitoring the rescue operation, the status of which is expected to be discussed this afternoon.
The epicenter of today's quake was Kodari, 80 km east of Kathmandu near China border. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), the US Geological Survey said.
The tremors were felt in India. It was more pronounced in Bihar, which, at over 50 deaths, has suffered the maximum casualty. The metro rail services in Delhi and Kolkata were suspended for while. The government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Following the quake, Kathmandu's Tribhuban airport was temporarily shut as Air Traffic Control personnel were evacuated. The defence ministry suspended the rescue and relief operations in Kathmandu.
In the evening, defence aircraft bringing in relief material was authorised to use the airport. The flights turned back earlier included civilian carriers IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India.
India had planned 10 flights to Kathmandu, which were to carry medical and engineering teams, medicine and equipment.
Till 2 pm, over 600 Indians -- including some children - were evacuated from Nepal. They were brought back to Delhi by four Air Force planes and an Air India flight.
An under-14 girls' football team from India, stuck in Kathmandu, was evacuated on priority today.
The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a 24-hour control room. Indians stranded in Kathmandu who want to get in touch with their families in India can contact the embassy in Kathmandu controlroom@mea.gov.in.
Over 700 have died in Kathmandu, the police said, in what was the strongest earthquake to hit the Himalayan nation in 80 years. Two Indians are among those killed, reports news agency Press Trust of India.
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