The death toll in the Nepal earthquake rose to more than 3,700 on Monday and could climb higher as fears grow for the fate of people living in remote villages that remain out of the reach of search and rescue teams.

The earthquake – Nepal's worst in more than 80 years – also injured more than 6,500 people and left thousands sleeping in the open while authorities battled against time to rescue anyone still alive beneath the rubble.

The death toll may rise once rescue and aid teams are able to reach remote mountain villages near the epicentre of the quake, where the damage is thought to be far worse than in the capital.