Kathmandu, April 27 (RHC)-- At least 3,700 people have been confirmed dead after Saturday’s devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal. More than 6,500 people have been injured, and the death toll has continued to rise sharply, with the full extent of the damage still largely unknown.
Dozens of people are also reported dead in neighboring China and India. The earthquake was the worst to hit Nepal in more than 80 years. It opened massive rifts in roads and destroyed historic structures, including the 19th century Dharahara Tower in the capital Kathmandu, which was packed with sightseers when it collapsed.
Driving rains have hit thousands who remain in the streets, afraid to go back inside amid intense and repeated aftershocks. The quake triggered avalanches on Mount Everest, where at least 18 climbers were killed, including three Americans.
According to reports from Nepal, aftershocks have delayed attempts by countries around the world to send aircraft, rescue personnel and other aid.