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Nepal quake death toll reaches over 4,000

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The death toll from the massive Nepal earthquake has risen to at least 4,310 with almost 8,000 people injured, according to latest reports.

The United Nations reported that eight million people have been affected and 1.4 million are in need of food aid.

Nepal and surrounding areas have continued to suffer from aftershocks as Save the Children in Nepal suggested that the final death toll could exceed 7,000.

Thousands in the capital of Kathmandu spent a third night outside, too afraid to go back into their homes.

Water, food and electricity are in short supply and there are fears of outbreaks of disease.

At least 18 people were killed on Mount Everest as the quake sparked deadly avalanches. There are no reports of any UK nationals being killed.

A total of 42 teams were attempting to scale Mount Everest at the time.

More than 200 people were trapped on the mountain but helicopters are bringing them to safety with about 60 rescued on Monday, according to the country’s tourism ministry.

They were at either Camp 1 at a height of 21,000ft or at the higher Camp 2 when the avalanches hit, tourism department director general Tulsi Gautam told the BBC.

Among those killed were five local guides working for one New Zealand tour company, Adventure Consultants, the BBC reported. Their names have not been released.

Transit visa rules have been relaxed to allow travel via India to other countries, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

In addition to advising against all but essential travel to the whole of Nepal in an updated travel advisory, the FCO issued means of contact for Britons in the country.

Those wishing to inform the FCO of their whereabouts  should make contact by:

  • completing the online form
  • emailing help@fco.gov.uk
  • calling us on +44 207 008 0000; and
  • texting NEPAL to +447860010026

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