An initial assessment report from Nepal's archaeology authorities showed that around 60 temples across the nation have been destroyed in the April 25 earthquake.

The report from the Department of Archaeology (DoA) in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said on Sunday that more than 200 monuments have been partly damaged.

The authorities have been in a hard bid to collect ruins consisting of valuable materials from monument sites.

The collection and preservation process has been underway at locations including the Basantapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square, all of which are UNESECO World Heritage Sites.

Local residents and volunteers have joined the military and police personnel to search for the remaining crafted wooden beams, idols, struts and silver and copper items at the quake-jolted venues.

The earthquake has also done great harm to Nepal's tourism industry as at least 14 historic buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged, including 12 on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
(Xinhua)