Death Toll In Nepalese Quake Nears 4,000, Continues Rising

The death toll in Saturday’s devastating earthquake in Nepal is nearing 4,000 — with as many as 7,000 injured, and many fearing the numbers will continue to climb. The tremendous scale of the crisis has surpassed the the Nepalese government’s resources: There are reports Monday of protests outside government offices in Kathmandu by citizens demanding aid, and The New York Times reports villages outside the capital are running out of food and water. Thousands of people are sleeping in the streets of Kathmandu, fearing aftershocks that continued throughout the weekend make houses unsafe. "It is hard to describe. The house was shaking like crazy. We ran out and it seemed like the road was heaving up and down," Shrish Vaidya, who lives outside Kathmandu told the AP on Saturday. "I don't remember anything like this before. Even my parents can't remember anything this bad."

The 7.8 magnitude quake hit April 25 about 50 miles outside Kathmandu, collapsing homes and buildings. Avalanches were triggered on Mount Everest at the start of climbing season, and at least 18 hikers have been killed. A harrowing video shows what the thundering collapse of snow looked like firsthand. While the quake centered outside Kathmandu, according the Associated Press, it "shook several cities across northern India, and was felt as far away as Lahore in Pakistan, Lhasa in Tibet, and in Dhaka, Bangladesh." Kathmandu is a city with a history spanning thousands of years. Ancient temples and historic sites, including the city's iconic Dharahara Tower, are among the rubble. Photos posted on social media show heartbreaking before-and-afters of the destruction.

Aid is pouring in from neighboring countries. Secretary of State John Kerry pledged an initial $1 million from the U.S. to help recovery efforts. If you'd like to help victims of the quake, a list of reputable aid organizations working in the area can be found here.  This post was originally published on April 25, and has been updated as information emerges.