TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran's foreign ministry spokeswoman on Saturday expressed sympathy with the Nepalese nation and government over the death of scores of people in a massive earthquake in the Himalayan country.

Marziyeh Afkham offered the sympathy of the Iranian nation and administration over the tragedy and extended her condolences to the people and government of Nepal and the families of the victims.

She also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the natural disaster.

The death toll from Nepal's powerful earthquake on Saturday has increased to nearly 1000 as the rescue operations continue in the stricken areas.

Authorities say an unknown number of people remain missing or injured.

According to reports, hundreds of mountaineers on their way to ascend to the peak of Mount Everest were caught in the mountains.

The quake triggered a “huge avalanche,” at Mount Everest base camp, killing at least 10 people on Saturday, including foreign climbers, a Nepalese official said.

"We don't have the details yet, but 10 have been reported dead so far, including foreign climbers," said Gyanendra Kumar Shrestha from Nepal's tourism department.

The epicenter of the earthquake was 80 kilometers (49 mile) northwest of Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley is densely populated with nearly 2.5 million, with the quality of buildings often poor.

The sustained quake was also felt in India's capital of New Delhi.

By Tasnim News Agency