The devastating earthquake that rocked Nepal not only killed thousands but has also led to the shifting of the peak to the southwest(1.2inches) - Mount Everest. (Reuters Photo)
The world's tallest peak, Mount Everest, moved three centimeters (1.2 inches) to the southwest because of the Nepal earthquake that devastated the country in April, Chinese state media reported on Tuesday.
The 7.8-magnitude quake reversed the gradual northeasterly course of the mountain, according to a report in the state-run China Daily, citing the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geo information.
Before the quake, Everest had moved 40 centimeters to the northeast over the past decade at a speed of four centimeters a year, the report said. The mountain also rose three centimeters over the same time period.
The earthquake caused an avalanche on Everest, killing 18 people and leaving its climbing base camp in ruins. It prompted authorities in both China and Nepal to cancel all climbs for this year.
The mountain straddles the border between the two countries.
Two earthquakes, on April 25 and May 12, killed more than 8,700 people in Nepal, triggered landslides and destroyed half a million homes, leaving thousands without shelter just weeks ahead of monsoon rains.
The second quake, which had a magnitude of 7.3, did not move the mountain, China Daily said.