Don't panic, Nepal tells citizens

Amid unending aftershocks of Saturday's powerful earthquake, the Nepal government on Sunday urged people not to be taken in by rumours of fresh destruction.

While asking people to remain alert until 3 p.m. on Monday, the government said that "several kinds of rumours" had triggered panic among the public.

"No one should panic. It is not a new earthquake. These are all aftershocks of yesterday's earthquake," Minendra Rijal, the minister for information and communication, said after a cabinet meeting.

The government also ordered hospitals and medical shops not to shut during the crisis, saying medical institutions which closed down would be opened forcibly.

The minister said the government was concerned over the shortage of medicines, dry food and drinking water.

The government pledged to conduct the final rites of those who died in the earthquake if needed.

The cabinet decided to accept aid and assistance from friendly and neighbouring countries as well as donor agencies.

These include India, China, the US, Pakistan, Norway, Australia, Japan, Finland, the World Bank and Qatar Red Cross.