A massive earthquake killed scores in Nepal and India on Saturday morning. The massive 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal with devastating force less than 50 miles from the capital, Kathmandu causing tremors in northern India as well.
More than thousand people have been died in a powerful earthquake in Nepal, with many more feared trapped under rubble, officials say.
The 7.8 magnitude quake struck an area between the capital, Kathmandu, and the city of Pokhara, the US Geological Survey said.
Tremors were felt across the region, with further loss of life in India, Bangladesh, Tibet and on Mount Everest.
The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas.
Nepali Information Minister Minendra Rijal said there had been “massive damage” at the epicentre, from where little information is emerging.
“We need support from the various international agencies which are more knowledgeable and equipped to handle the kind of emergency we face now,” he said.
Rescuers are digging through the rubble of collapsed buildings in the capital trying to reach survivors.
A number of historic buildings have been destroyed.
Among those wrecked was the landmark Dharahara tower, with many feared trapped in its ruins.
After the earthquake struck, frightened residents came out into the streets. Mobile phones and other communications have been disrupted.
Massive rescue operation in Kathmandu, emergency declared.
World’s deadliest recent earthquakes
Iran, 2003: More than 26,000 people killed in 6.6 earthquake near the city of Bam
Indonesia, 2004: Devastating 9.1 earthquake and ensuing tsunami off the Sumatran province of Aceh kills more than 230,000 people in a dozen countries
Pakistani-administered Kashmir, 2005: 7.6 earthquake near Muzafferabad kills about 100,000 people
China, 2008: Nearly 90,000 killed in 7.9 earthquake in eastern Sichuan province
Haiti, 2010: More than 220,000 people killed in 7.0 magnitude earthquake
An Indian security personnel stands near a collapsed house after an earthquake in Siliguri, India
At least 36 people have been killed in India, Indian officials say, with one death also reported in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met his ministers to review the situation. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has pledged help for the Nepalese authorities.
It is the worst earthquake to strike Nepal since one in 1934 all but destroyed Kathmandu.