Nepal earthquake death toll hits 800

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake has struck the Himalayan nation of Nepal, with reports of extensive damages to property and loss of life.

Police said that at least 876 people were killed on Saturday in the powerful quake that shook 80km east of Pokhara, about half way between the town and the capital Kathmandu.

A home ministry official said at least 467 people were killed in the Kathmandu Valley, that is the most heavily populated part of the Himalyan country.

The earthquake destroyed many historical landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage temples at Basantapur Durbar Square and the Dharara tower, both in central Kathmandu.

The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at 11:56am local time (06:11 GMT). It initially reported a magnitude 7.7 before revising the calculation to 7.5 and later upgraded to 7.9. Aljazeera