The death toll from the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal inched above 5,000.Rescuers were still digging bodies out of the rubble in the capital Kathmandu, where centuries-old buildings were flattened by Saturday's quake and many people were sleeping outside for fear of further aftershocks.
Nepal's prime minister has warned that the number of people killed in the country's worst earthquake in decades could reach 10,000. Sushil Koirala's comment on Tuesday came as rescuers in Nepal were struggling to reach remote communities. With the UN estimating eight million people have been hit by the disaster, Koirala said getting help to some of the worst affected areas was a "major challenge". PM Koirala maintained that all the government agencies are being deployed to rescue the victims and provide relief packages. However, the PM did not announce any relief package to the quake-affected people. Koirala, in his brief address, thanked the international community for its support. He informed that altogether 15 countries have so far provided assistance. He also urged the youths to engage in rescue and relief operation. PM Koirala did not provide any new plan and policies to tackle the disaster. He also did not give the details of the casualties. He said the government would enter into reconstruction after management of quake victims and expected the same kind of support from the international community.He has also warned that the number of people killed in the country's worst earthquake in decades could reach 10,000. Sushil Koirala's comment on Tuesday came as rescuers in Nepal were struggling to reach remote communities. He said authorities were overwhelmed by appeals for help from remote Himalayan villages left devastated by Saturday's 7.8-magnitude quake.
