Metal scene grinds to a halt as Nepal is hit by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake

Today at 06:11:25.80 UTC (11:56 am in Kathmandu), an earthquake with magnitude 7.5 (as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey) struck near Pokhara, Nepal, it's epicenter being a shallow 7 miles deep and 50 miles NW of Kathmandu. This is confirmed to be the worst tremor experienced in Nepal for over 80 years.

The first pictures through show horrific and catastrophic damage as this small Himalayan nation suffers it's worst tremor in over 80 years. Early reports also indicate that the tremor was felt as far away as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan (possibly also Bhutan) and thus immediately points towards a shift in the tectonic plate boundary that separates the Indian and Eurasian plates; this is mainly responsible for the formation of the Himalaya's as we know them.

Nepal’s information minister, Minendra Rijal, informed Indian news station NDTV, that there are reports coming out of Kathmandu and peripheral areas of extensive damage, but no word on casualties; despite Reuters reporting two fatalities, one in Nepal and the other in India. He added that rescue teams were on the scene. Moreover numerous buildings including the well-known Dharahara tower were reduced to rubble.

Telecommunications have been gravely affected as a result and news is slowly coming out of the Himalayan nation. Aftershocks are continuing after the earthquake as a result.

As a result, the Blackout Pride gig (https://www.facebook.com/events/941957169196731/) featuring local Nepalese and Indian Metal bands, has been postponed until further notice.

Global Metal Apocalypse caught a few words from musician Davin Shakya of Kalodin albeit communications not being the greatest at this present time, "within the last 30 minutes the tremors are still going on, buildings and monuments have collapsed, it's absolute chaos"; his advice to people within the affected areas are to stay outside, away from any buildings and to remain safe.

We will keep you updated.