Nepal Earthquake Death toll rises to over 3,000

The body count from the deadly Nepal earthquake now stands at over 3,000 people.

According to BBC, at least 3,617 people are now known to have died from the disastrous earthquake which struck Nepal on Saturday, while over 6,500 people were injured.

In a related development, dozens of people are also reported to have been killed in neighbouring China and India. Also over 200 climbers were rescued around Mount Everest which was struck by deadly avalanches following the deadly Nepal 7.8-magnitude quake.

In the Nepal capital, Kathmandu, vast tents were set up for those displaced by the disaster and those who were too afraid to return home or fear of being struck by the strong aftershocks which still continued.

Officials have warned that the number of casualties could rise as rescue teams reach remote mountainous areas of western Nepal.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Dhading district which is about 80km from Kathmandu, people were camped in the open as the hospitals were overflowing. Reports say there was no power either while shops remained shut.

Also reports say that in some villages of more than 1,000 homes, nearly all have been destroyed by the earthquake while a senior official in Gorkha district, the location of the earthquake's epicentre reported that 70% of the houses were destroyed.

Rescue operations have also continued amidst fears of disease outbreak as water becomes a scarce commodity and people shelter out in the open with very little protection. To this end,  cremations have been taking place since the morning as authorities are keen on disposing of bodies as quickly as possible to prevent a health hazard.

Also in areas around Mount Everest which was caught by tremors and a huge avalanche, at least 18 people were killed and 60 more injured.