Nepal quake toll climbs to 7,040

The death toll in Nepal's devastating earthquake today jumped to 7,040 with another 14,123 people injured, according to the Nepalese Police.

National police officer Babu Kanji Giri said the death toll had reached 7,040 as more bodies are found in the debris.

At least 38 Indians were among 54 foreigners killed in the 7.9-magnitude quake last week that left a trail of devastation and suffering.

48 foreigners, including 10 Indians, were injured and 82 foreign nationals were missing, according to the police.

Nepal's remote mountainous areas have suffered "almost total devastation" from the powerful quake, aid agencies have warned, even as relief slowly began to reach far-flung regions amid fresh aftershocks that kept people on edge.

International humanitarian bodies have called for greater urgency in relief efforts.

There are estimates that up to 40,000 homes in Sindupalchowk alone have been destroyed, the International Federation of Red Cross said in a statement.