Nepal's reconstruction may take up to 10 years - Nepal ambassador

He said to date, more than 300,000 houses and buildings had collapsed in the April 25 temblor, including heritage sites and castles from the 17th century.

"Therefore, we are requesting our friendly and neighboring countries to help contribute towards the rebuilding and reconstruction of our country...we hope in five to 10 years, our country can be rebuilt," he told reporters after attending the 'Pray for Nepal' Inter-faith Prayer Service here, Sunday.

Also present was Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ibrahim Sahib Ansar; Indian High Commissioner Shri T. S. Tirumurti; Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam and Maldives High Commissioner Mohamed Fayaz.

PHOTO GALLERY: Aftermath Earthquake in Nepal

Niranjan said the injured and surviving victims in Nepal were in need of monetary support and materials in lieu of the monsoon season expected to hit the country in two months' time."I would like to ask the

Government of Malaysia to help us in the form of monetary support and also supply us with tents, mattresses and blankets, as well as material to build roof as part of our preparation for the rainy season that will last at least three months," he said.

He said the Nepal Embassy here had also opened a local bank account for Malaysians who wished to extend assistance in terms of monetary support to the earthquake victims.

"As of now, we already have RM300,000 in our account which will be channeled through the Nepali Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, and at the same time, I would also like to ask for monetary support from all Malaysians," he said.

The April 25 earthquake measuring 7.9 magnitude, described as the worst to hit Nepal, saw 8,460 people killed and more than 18,000 people injured.

Last Tuesday, the Himalayan country experienced another big earthquake of 7.3 magnitude.