The massive earthquake that struck Nepal and killed at least 2,500 people on Saturday has also destroyed some of the country's most iconic landmarks.
The 7.8-magnitude quake -- the worst to hit Nepal in 80 years -- devastated the capital of Kathmandu. Its impact can be seen in before and after photos taken across the capital city.
Built in 1832 by then-Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa, the famed nine-story Dharahara tower, also known as Bhimsen Tower, collapsed during the earthquake. As of Saturday, hundreds of people were feared to be trapped in the rubble of the structure.
Bhimsen Tower aka Dharahara in #Nepal before and After the #earthquake pic.twitter.com/JbdlV34rj9— Swapnil Ghangale (@GcsswapniL) April 25, 2015
Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts a major flow of tourists, also suffered extensive damage. One Twitter user shared side-by-side photos of the square from before and after the quake, respectively:
Pictures of Patan Durbar Hall, a UNESCO world heritage site, in #Kathmandu one hour apart before & after #earthquake pic.twitter.com/nFB7PGv2q9— Mohan Almal (@Mohanalmal) April 25, 2015
The earthquake also affected Patan Durbar Square, which is filled with ancient palaces and pagoda temples, among other historic artifacts.
There are three famous Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley, including the two aforementioned, all which are are World Heritage Sites.
Patan Durbar Square (#Nepal's Pride & UNESCO's World Heritage Site) BEFORE/AFTER the #NepalEarthquake #PrayForNepal pic.twitter.com/JcxNJWsYLn— JigmeUgen (@JigmeUgen) April 25, 2015
In addition to great loss of life and injuries, #NepalEarthquake has destroyed UNESCO world heritage sites #drr Major blow for country.— UNISDR (@unisdr) April 26, 2015
Authorities continue to pull bodies from the debris across the affected areas.