Kathmandu, April 25 (RHC)-- A strong earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale has hit an area near Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, causing extensive damage to buildings and leaving hundreds of people dead. The quake took place before noon local time on Saturday, with its epicenter registered 80 kilometers northwest of the capital.

The death toll from Nepal’s massive quake has increased to over 1000 as the rescue operations continue in the stricken areas. A police spokesman in Kathmandu told reporters: "Rescue efforts are still underway. We fear that the toll might rise as we dig through the rubble."

Local media also reported that Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu has been shut down following the earthquake. According to reports, dozens of people have been also taken to the main hospital in central Kathmandu with injuries.

Meanwhile, Indian officials said that the quake in neighboring Nepal also left at least 20 people killed and more than 70 others wounded in India. According to reports, the quake triggered a “huge avalanche,” at Mount Everest base camp, killing at least 10 people on Saturday, including foreign climbers.