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60 temples destroyed in Nepal earthquake

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Around 60 temples in Nepal were destroyed by the April 25 earthquake, said authorities. 

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation released a report Sunday (May 3) that over 200 monuments have been partly damaged. 

Authorities are trying hard to collect valuable materials from the affected sites, said Xinhua. 

The collection and preservation process has been underway at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Basantapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square 


 A sculpture stands among rubble of a destroyed temple in the UNESCO world heritage site of Bhaktapur on the outskirts of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. PHOTO: AFP


Nepalese visitors walk on the partially destroyed Bhaktapur temple near Kathmandu. PHOTO: AFP

The ancient temple town of Bhaktaphur, usually bustling with tourists and pilgrims, is now "eerily silent", reported The Washington Post, with some Buddhist shrines left in ruins. 

The Guardian said that the ancient palaces in Patan are now either "cracked or collapsed". 


The immediate aftermath of the earthquake at Patan Durbar Square. PHOTO: JASMINE ONG

Local residents and volunteers have joined military and police personnel to search for crafted wooden beams, idols, struts and silver and copper items among the rubble. 

At least 14 historic buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged, including 12 on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Sources: Xinhua, The Washington Post, The Guardian

earthquakeWorld Heritage SitesBhaktapurPatanTemple