The massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday, not only killed more than 5000 people but also destroyed some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and flattened many of the country’s historic structures.
The massive earthquake – the worst to hit Nepal in 80 years – devastated the capital of Kathmandu. Its impact can be seen in before and after photos taken across the capital city.
Maju Deval, Katmandu
This temple, built in 1690, is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Located in front of Kathmandu’s royal palace, this spectacular Durbar Square reflects the artistry that prevailed in the past.
Vatsala Shikhara Temple, Bhaktapur
After the earthquake, people occupied the square in front of a collapsed temple in Bhaktapur, eight miles east of Katmandu.
Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Hanuman Dhoka is a complex of structures with the Royal Palace of the Malla kings and also of the Shah dynasty in the Durbar Square of central Kathmandu, Nepal. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace gets its name from the stone image of Hanuman that sits near the main entryway.
Garud Pillar, Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu
A pillar where a statue of Garud, a Hindu divine character, stood is partially damaged after the earthquake at the Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Narayanhiti Durbar, Kathmandu
The Narayanhiti Palace, or Narayanhiti Durbar, is a palace which long served as a primary residence for the country’s monarchs.
Dharahara Tower, Katmandu
A nine-story structure built in 1832 on orders from the queen. It was made of bricks more than a foot thick, and had recently been reopened to the public. Sightseers could climb a narrow spiral staircase to a viewing platform about 200 feet above the city.
Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
The Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Baghmati River in Kathmandu. The sacred 17th century Hindu temple is a Unesco World Heritage site. But in the wake of the earthquake, the temple has become a home for funeral pyres where victims are cremated.
Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple, Katmandu
Volunteers helped to remove the debris of a three-story temple.
Animated image showing destroyed structure in Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Image: Getty Images
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