Kathmandu's Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was severely damaged by the earthquake. Photo Credit: AFP
Over the weekend, Nepal was shattered by an earthquake that registered 7.9 on the Richter scale and left in its wake a trail of unimaginable destruction and loss. Among the images emerging from a country in ruins are those of some of the city's iconic temples and heritage sites, all reduced to rubble.
The pictures below, taken before and after the disaster, are a chilling barometer of just how unforgiving nature can be.
Dharahara Tower: The 19th-century nine-storey tower was razed practically to the ground in the earthquake. The image on the right shows the 50.5-metre-high historic tower as it is now. The picture on the left was taken in 1998.
Photo Credit: AFP
Durbar Square: One of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, the Durbar Square was the royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom. Now, there's almost nothing.
Photo Credit: Thinkstock and AFP
Garuda Statue at Durbar Square: The statue itself has survived relatively unscathed, which serves to underline how much the temple and surrounding area have suffered.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons and AFP
Swayambhunath Complex: Also known as the Monkey Temple, the ancient religious complex is now little more than dust.
Bhupatindra Malla: Bhaktapur town was among the worst affected areas. The images here show the startling change in the landscape.
Gaddi Durbar: The post-quake picture shows a complete wipe out of the temple in Bashantapur Durbar Square. Photo Credit: Wordpress/nirjanasharma and AFP