Update: The USGS has revised the magnitude to 7.8. Early reports indicate the death toll is rising in and around the region, with reported deaths in Tibet, India and Bangladesh as well as Nepal.
This looks like a bad one. Initially reported as a 7.5 magnitude quake, the USGS upgraded it to a 7.9. Historic buildings have collapsed into rubble, leaving people buried beneath.
CNN:
A 7.9 magnitude earthquake has struck Nepal less than 50 miles from the capital, Kathmandu, the U.S. Geological Survey said Saturday. It occurred at a depth of less than two miles, which is considered shallow.
The USGS previously rated the temblor at 7.5 magnitude but later upgraded the strength.
The shaking was felt by people who contacted the USGS as "severe" to "violent," nearly the highest rating on the intensity scale. Tremors were felt as far as New Delhi, more than 200 miles away in neighboring India. An official said it was felt there at magnitude 5.0.
The shaking was rated as "strong" to "severe" on the USGS ShakeMap. CNN sister network CNN-IBN is reporting that buildings are down and roads are out.
IBN reporter K. Dhiksit looked out his window in Kathmandu and saw the walls of many buildings down. As he watched, an aftershock rattled his street. He said he heard "big booming sounds," as well. People ran out into the streets, he said.
Photos flowing into Twitter:
