Holidays to Nepal cancelled

British holiday companies are cancelling trips to Nepal following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which caused devastation to the country this weekend and left more than 2,000 people dead.

Intrepid Travel has said it will not take any bookings for Nepal holidays until 11 May.

Tourists who are planning on travelling before this date will receive a refund or the option of an alternative holiday.

Speaking to MailOnline, an Intrepid Travel spokesperson said: "While we are continuing to concentrate on the safety of our clients out in Nepal, we have decided to cancel all our trips to the country until May 11 while the rescue operation is underway.

"Safety is our main priority, and even after this date, we may have to recommend our customers to book to visit somewhere else."

Travel company Kuoni advises holidaymakers not to travel to Nepal, with a spokesman telling MailOnline Travel: "There will be an atmosphere of worry, people will be doing emergency shopping, and obviously it wouldn't be a great time to be going out there."

The Foreign Office says: "Aftershocks are continuing, and a smaller earthquake occurred at around 13.00 local time on 26 April. There has been extensive damage to buildings.

"There are reports of avalanches in the Macchaputre and Everest regions. You should avoid travelling into high altitude regions. We advise people to stay in a place of safety and follow any advice provided by local authorities."

The BBC reports that the UK government has given £5 million to help people affected by the earthquake.

A number of Britons have been caught up in the earthquake.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: "We are also sending humanitarian experts from the UK to provide urgent support on the ground."

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