Rescuers in Nepal reach remote communities

With the UN estimating eight million people have been hit by the earthquake in Nepal, the prime minister has said getting help to some of the worst affected areas is a “major challenge”.

Sushil Koirala said authorities were overwhelmed by appeals for help from remote Himalayan villages left devastated by Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude quake.

Rescue teams are still struggling to reach some of the worst-affected areas of Lamjung, the site of the earthquake’s epicentre, about 77km west of Kathmandu.

“The situation here is not good. So many have lost their homes. They don’t have enough water or food,” said Udav Prasad Timilsina, head official in the neighbouring district of Gorkha. 

“We haven’t even been able to treat the injured. We are in urgent need of essentials like food, water … and medicines and tents. Rescuers are coming in, but we need help.”