Kathmandu, May 12 (IANS): Panic-stricken people who rushed out following an earthquake, later made a beeline for shops to stock on water and other essential commodities here.

An eyewitness said that he saw a building collapse in Tundikhel area. Another said that he saw debris falling on a taxi packed with people.

Three strong aftershocks were felt within an hour of the main earthquake which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre not far from Mount Everest.

Harried shopkeepers were seen trying to manage the surging crowds at their shops.
People quickly began to stock up with food items, fearing a repeat of the April 25 earthquake which caused widespread devastation.

"It is really scary," said a Kathmandu resident as he rushed to join the people at the local grocery shop.

The mobile connectivity network was overwhelmed as soon as the earthquake struck.

Worried people began to get in touch with their relatives. Some got through, while most others failed to do so.

Many Nepalese settled in India began to feverishly call up their relatives in far-flung towns and villages.

"I have been trying to reach my brother but I have not been able to do so," said a Nepalese residing in Shimla.