Two aftershocks of over 4.0 magnitudes jolted Nepal today, of which one was 4.8 on the Richter scale.  

The first tremor was recorded 4.2 in the Richter and the second one was of 4.8 magnitude, according to National Seismology Centre (NSC) of Nepal Government.

The epicentre of both tremors was in the border between Dhading and Nuwakot districts, about 45 kilometres north-west of Kathmandu, the NSC said.

The two aftershocks caused no fresh damage.

However, some already cracked houses may be vulnerable to minor aftershocks, according to the Home Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said the intensity of the aftershocks had gradually decreased since the powerful aftershock measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale hit Nepal on May 12, and the ministry had also asked the people to return to their houses.

670 aftershocks so far

At present, most people in Kathmandu were still living in tents in open space for fear of another powerful earthquake.

"I'm not fully convinced the earthquake has completely ceased to occur because of daily aftershocks and I still want to live in tents because my life is more precious than anything else," said Indra Pudasaini, who is living in a tent with his eight-member family, despite having his own house.

More than 670 aftershocks had been recorded so far since the Apr 25 massive earthquake, with 253 of them recorded over 4.0 magnitude.

About 9,000 people lost their lives, while over 17,000 people were injured, 4,94,000 private houses and public buildings were severely damaged, in the Apr 25 earthquake and its May 12 powerful aftershock in Nepal.

Nepal government had announced that it would rebuild damaged houses and structures within five years, for which it had sought fund from the international community.

An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit Kathmandu on Apr 25, followed by the May 12 aftershock of 7.3 magnitude.

- Bernama