DHAKA: At least 876 people are known to have died in a powerful earthquake in Nepal, with many more feared trapped under rubble.

Officials say, reports the BBC.

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 and on Mount Everest.

The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas.

Nepal information minister Minendra Rijal said there had been ‘massive damage’ at the epicentre, from where little information is emerging.

Get the latest updates on the Nepalese earthquake

‘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.

A national police spokesman told the BBC that 876 people had died in the quake.

** 700 people killed in Nepal after strong earthquake

BDST: 1944 HRS, APR 25, 2015
RR