Death toll rises to 3,800 in Nepal earthquake

The densely populated capital, Kathmandu, is shaken; more than 2,200 are reported dead. 

By Rama Lakshmi and Annie Gowen-April 27

KATHMANDU, Nepal — With international aid beginning to flow but desperation still rising, rescue crews in Nepal expanded helicopter searches Monday into remote villages believed to be the worst hit from a massive earthquake that has already claimed more than 3,800 lives.

The flights deep into the Himalayan valleys highlighted worries that the death toll could still rise from Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude quake that flattened densely populated areas near Kathmandu, toppled centuries-old monuments and buried Everest base camp with a deadly avalanche of snow and jagged ice.

Local Nepalese television showed aerial images of damage to Kathmandu and its surroundings two days after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit. Roads leading out of the mountain valley city were jammed. (Reuters)

Death Toll Rises to 3,800 in Nepal Earthquake by Thavam Ratna