Thousands killed in Nepal earthquake and Everest avalanche

Nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Nepal after the worst earthquake in more than 80 years hit the country.

At least 17 people died in an avalanche, following the earthquake, on Mount Everest's base camp, including American Google executive Dan Fredinburg, 33, and medic for Madison Mountaineering Dr Marisa Eve Girawong, 29.

The 7.9 magnitude quake wrecked houses and flattened ancient temples. More than 5,000 people were injured and the number of dead is expected to rise, the Guardian reports.

A powerful aftershock measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale was felt on Sunday in Nepal, India and Bangladesh.

According to the BBC, the mountain roads are cracked or blocked by landslides, meaning the death toll from the original earthquake could ride as remote areas are hard to access.

Hospitals in Kathmandu are struggling to cope with the number of injured, as more than 700 have died in the capital alone.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Minendra Rijal told Reuters the country needs aid to help it cope with the aftermath.

"We have launched a massive rescue and rehabilitation action plan and lots needs to be done," he said.

"Our country is in a moment of crisis and we will require tremendous support and aid."

The Daily Telegraph reports that dozens of British climbers and travellers have been caught up in the devastating earthquake. Julia Carroll, 22, from Suffolk, is among the missing.

Her father John said: "I spoke to her on the phone on Friday afternoon when she rang home to wish me a happy birthday. We are desperately worried. It's a tragic situation out there, with so many deaths and so much destruction and we can only hope she is safe and gets in touch."

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