Rescue work at Swayambhunath Stupa after an earthquake hit Nepal on Saturday 25th April 2015.
The iconic Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu was relatively lucky in the aftermath of the devastating Nepal earthquake. Only one person was killed in the area though the earthquake shook the entire structure and reduced old houses, small shops and smaller temples in and around the complex to rubble within 15 seconds.
Pilgrims and tourists were shocked at first and ran for the exit. As the entire structure shook vigorously, people were thrown in different directions, while others struggled to get back on their feet. Some got stuck under the debris, and when they were pulled out by people nearby, their limbs were broken and heads profusely bleeding.
Helpless people sat down with their family, hands over their heads, and waited for the quake to subside. A huge blanket of dust enveloped the entire area and visibility was reduced to 10 metres making rescue ops more difficult. Shrill cries could be heard from underneath the pile of rubble.
Even after the first shock was felt, several aftershocks kept rocking the place for another hour or so. There were still a lot of piled up debris, but the police and people present at the spot said the ones trapped under were immediately rescued, though there could be a possibility of more people being trapped inside.
This was the second time an earthquake has hit Swayambhunath complex in recent times. The first one occurred in 1990, but did not damage the property. This one was more lethal as most of the smaller worship areas crumbled under the pressure.
The devastation could also be seen outside the temple premises where old houses collapsed and cracks could be seen on buildings.
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/world/neighbours/iconic-swayambhunath-stupa-stands-amidst-the-rubble-of-its-complex/99/
This footage is part of the professionally-shot broadcast stock footage archive of Wilderness Films India Ltd., the largest collec
