Nepal Earthquake: Major 6.7 Aftershock Hits Kathmandu as death Toll Climbs over 2,200

KATHMANDU, Nepal — A major aftershock hit the Kathmandu area of Nepal on Sunday, terrifying locals as rescuers dug for survivors of a devastating earthquake which left more than 2,200 people dead.

The United States Geological Survey said the tremor registered an initial 6.7 magnitude — compared with the day earlier's 7.8 magnitude quake.

The aftershock sparked screams and sent terrified people into the streets of Kathmandu. At the city's airport, the floor rolled with the tremor. Passengers rushed past the immigration desks and customs officials abandoned their seats, rushing to take cover along a row of pillars as the building shook and lights briefly went out.

On Mount Everest — where an avalanche triggered by Saturday's quake killed at least 17 people — climbers reported further avalanches.

Officials said Sunday that the toll from the earthquake had exceeded 2,200 people, according to Reuters and the Associated Press. At least three U.S. citizens were confirmed dead, according to a State Department official. The official declined to comment further "out of respect for the privacy of those affected."

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After thousands of people slept in the open air in Nepal, rescuers dug with their bare hands on Sunday morning to continue searching for survivors and bodies. Police officer Sudan Shreshtha said his team had brought 166 corpses overnight to one hospital in Kathmandu.