No: 151, 12 May 2015

We have learned that an earthquake of magnitude 7.3 (on the Richter scale) struck Nepal today (May 12th) at the noon time, with its epicenter located in the vicinity of Kodari between the capital, Kathmandu and the Mount Everest and it was followed by a number of powerful aftershocks. According to initial reports, around 40 people in Nepal and 20 people in India lost their lives as a result of aforesaid earthquakes which were also felt in neighboring countries.

We convey our condolences to friendly Nepal and India on the loss of lives in the earthquake. We have informed the authorities of the affected countries that our relevant institutions are ready to deliver humanitarian assistance urgently needed by disaster victims.