At least 157 dead in Nepal earthquake

At least 157 people were killed in an overnight earthquake that struck a remote pocket of Nepal, officials said Saturday, as security forces rushed to assist with rescue efforts. The force of the 5.6-magnitude tremor jolted households awake and flattened mud houses in communities across isolated western districts of the Himalayan republic late Friday.
The quake was felt as far away as India's capital New Delhi, nearly 500 kilometres from the epicentre. Local officials warned the death toll could rise further as the search continues for those buried under the rubble. Officials said it was difficult for the rescue teams to reach some places, as bridges were damaged and roads were blocked by landslides triggered by the quake.