Dozens Killed in Nepal Earthquake

Over 100 people have been confirmed dead across the country, according to Nepal's home ministry, with officials suggesting that figure could rise considerably.

A further 50 people are still feared trapped under the rubble of the Kathmandu's iconic nine-storey Dharahara tower, which was brought down in the quake. 

Police have removed around a dozen bodies from the 19th Century tourist site, also known as the Bhimsen Tower.

Elsewhere a 15-year-girl was killed in a building collapse in India, near the Nepal border, while another child died when a statue fell in a park outside Kathmandu.

The quake is also understood to have triggered a "huge avalanche" on Mount Everest, damaging Everest base camp.

Mountaineer Alex Gavan tweeted from Mount Pumori: "Everest base camp huge earthquake then huge avalanche from pumori. Running for life from my tent. Unhurt. Many many people up the mountain."

No reports of possible casualties

Another climber, Daniel Mazur, said Everest base camp had been "severely damaged" and his team was trapped.

"Please pray for everyone," he tweeted.

There is currently no word on possible casualties.

The quake struck 80km (50 miles) east of the central city of Pokhara, close to the capital, the US Geological Survey said. 

In Kathmandu dozens of people with injuries are being brought to the city's main hospital, with many forced to wait outside on the street for treatment.

A number of centuries-old temples have been destroyed and there are unconfirmed reports that the densely-populated city's main airport has closed, according to Sky News' India producer Neville Lazarus.

Nepal's Information Minister Minendra Rijal has told India's NDTV station that rescue teams are at the scene.

Residents have been warned to stay outdoors, with more aftershocks feared.

"It was a pretty massive earthquake here, the strongest I've ever felt in my life," photojournalist Nayantara, who is in Pokhara, told Sky News.

"We've all gathered on a tennis court which is the only open space available to us close by," she said.

Hiding to avoid falling debris

"There is quite a lot of damage. The building I was in has quite a lot of cracks in it. There was a construction site right next to us and several of the new ways have fallen and there was an injury."

Another witness tweeted: "LOTS of shaking. Hid under table, then ran outside. Still feel like swaying. Cables/walls down."

"Lots of panic, people wandering in the streets," @jonk said, adding that people were gathering in the middle of an intersection to avoid falling debris.

According to Sky News' Neville Lazarus tremors could be felt in India's capital New Delhi and other northern cities.

"For about three to four minutes buildings in Delhi experienced tremors and residents rushed out of their buildings," he said.

"Everything was shaking."

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tweeted: "We are in the process of finding more information and are working to reach out to those affected, both at home and in Nepal."

Strong tremors were also felt as far away as Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Courtesy: Sky News and Reuters