Nepal Toll Hits 2,200

A powerful aftershock shook Nepal today, making buildings sway and sending panicked Kathmandu residents running into the streets a day after a massive earthquake left more than 2,200 people dead. The cawing of crows mixed with terrified screams as the magnitude 6.7 aftershock pummeled the capital city this afternoon, even as planes from neighboring countries began arriving. "The aftershocks keep coming ... so people don't know what to expect," said Nepal's country head for global aid agency Mercy Corps. "All the open spaces in Kathmandu are packed with people who are camping outdoors. When the aftershocks come you cannot imagine the fear. You can hear women and children crying." In other developments:

• The first group of survivors from an earthquake-triggered avalanche that swept through the Mount Everest base camp were flown to Nepal's capital today and taken to hospitals. None appeared to have life-threatening injuries.

• Pope Francis called for assistance for the survivors during his weekly Sunday blessing. He said he was praying for the victims, the injured and "all those who are suffering from this calamity," and asked that they have the "support and fraternal solidarity" they need. The Vatican secretary of state yesterday sent a formal telegram of condolences seeking to encourage rescue crews and comfort the survivors.
• International Search and Rescue Germany said a team of 52 relief workers including doctors, experts trained in searching for people buried under rubble, and several dog squads are flying in today. The team will bring with them a mobile medical treatment center. France is sending 11 rescuers and emergency equipment to Kathmandu.

(More earthquake stories.)