China says Nepal quake moved Everest southwest

Beijing: A devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in April moved Mount Everest three centimetres (just over an inch) to the southwest, but did not change its height, according to Chinese research published on Tuesday.

The 7.8-magnitude quake reversed the gradual northeasterly course of the world's highest peak, which straddles Nepal and China, the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation found. But its height — usually given as 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) — was unchanged by the disaster, according to the research, published in Chinese state media.

Reports say Nepal must assess its glacial lakes

Kathmandu, June: Amid reports of glacial lakes in Nepal being threatened due to the impact of climate change, a top mountaineering official today said the country needs to conduct post-disaster assessment of glacial lakes and mountain rivers in the Himalayan region. “There is a need to make fresh assessment of glaciers, mountains and mountain rivers after the April 25 disaster” Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association said. “It is necessary to evaluate water level of glacial lakes, ice level and gather information about the mountain region by using latest technology,” he said.