Nepal Reopens Historic Sites After Quake

Nepal is planning to reopen its heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, where an earthquake devastated the region and left more than 8,000 dead in April, officials said Monday. Officials said they have taken the necessary precautions to secure some of the badly damaged sites after Unesco raised concerns over the safety of reopening the area to tourists. Unesco Director-General Irina Bokova called the damage to the valley “extensive and irreversible” and urged the public to be cautious when visiting the sites such as the historic Durbar squares, or noble courts. Local media reported security will be present and tourists will be given guided tours along specific, safe routes upon reopening.