KATHMANDU, Nepal — People gathered Sunday at the remains of a historic tower in Nepal’s capital that collapsed in a devastating earthquake a year ago, as Nepalese held memorial services to mark the anniversary of the disaster that killed nearly 9,000 people and left millions homeless.

Minor protests were also held, with demonstrators angry at the slow rate of reconstruction in the wake of the magnitude-7.8 quake that ravaged vast areas of Nepal.

Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli laid a wreath at the ruins of the Dharahara tower in the heart of Kathmandu. The iconic structure collapsed in the quake, killing 132 people. In all, 8,856 people died in the April 25, 2015, disaster.

Participating in the memorial ceremonies were people who lost loved ones in the quake, and others who simply came to pray for those killed.

“I lost a friend who was working at the top of the tower on that day. I hope he and others are in a good place,” said Ram Shrestha, pointing at the remains of the Dharahara tower. He said that he had just stepped out a few minutes before the earthquake struck to go shopping.

Madhav Newpane, who runs a shop near the tower, witnessed its collapse. He returned Sunday with a bouquet of flowers and candles. “There were many people killed here on that day. I will never be able to forget that day,” he said.


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