We will do everything possible with rescue and relief: PM Modi to Nepal

"We are meeting in the shadow of the horrible calamity in Nepal. President Ghani and I speak for our two countries, South Asia and the world to the people of Nepal: Your courage and humanity has earned the respect of the world. And, you are not alone at this moment of tragedy and trial," Modi said in his joint statement with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani here.

"We will do everything possible with rescue and relief. And, we will certainly be there when you rebuild your lives and reconstruct your homes and heritage," he said.

The death toll in Nepal's earthquake could reach 10,000 as rescue and relief operations are going on war footing in the devastated country, officials said.

"The death toll could go up to 10,000 because information from remote villages hit by the earthquake is yet to come in," media reports quoted  Prime Minister Sushil  Koirala as saying.

"The government is doing all it can for rescue and relief on a war footing," he added. "It is a challenge and a very difficult hour for Nepal," he said.

The  Himalayan nation was hit by a fresh tremor measuring 4.5 on the Richter Scale on Tuesday.

The epicentre of the quake, which is located at latitude 28 degree north and latitude  85.4 degree east, hit the country at 4:50 hrs IST.

Thousands of people are still camped outside in Nepal's capital Kathmandu, huddled under makeshift tents. Food, water and fuel are running scarce.

Relief and rescue operations were stepped up on Monday.

Koirala was abroad when the 7.9 magnitude quake occurred on Saturday. He returned on Sunday.