Intense Footage Shows the Exact Moment the Magnitude-7.8 Earthquake Hit Nepal

Footage emerged late Wednesday showing the moment the devastating magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, on Saturday, resulting in major damage while leaving thousands displaced and more than 5,500 people dead.

The closed-circuit television footage starts by showing what appears to be a relatively calm and peaceful day, but roughly 45 seconds into the video, the fixed camera starts to shake as people on the ground begin to panic. Eventually, a temple entrance crumbles, and a cloud of dust rises as the area falls into confusion and greater panic.

The BBC reported the quake struck between Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara in the densely populated Kathmandu Valley and quickly brought on massive damage. Homes, temples, buildings and cars were destroyed under the falling rubble; thousands remain displaced or searching for loved ones feared dead. A number of historic buildings and temples were also toppled.

Nations around the world have come together to pledge support during the daunting rescue and recovery period, donating food, water, financial aid and human support. Given that this is the largest and most powerful disaster to hit the region since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake, it may take weeks, months or even years to rebuild the devastated locales.

Watch the full video below:

h/t Mashable