By Monday at least 42 people had perished across north and east India in the powerful earthquake that originated at its border with Nepal even as rescue and relief operations were hampered by landslides and bad weather, fuelling fears of a rise in casualties.

In Sikkim, where the epicentre of Sunday's 6.8 magnitude temblor lay and which was the worst hit, 35 people were killed. Over 200 were injured, 25 bridges developed cracks and scores of buildings were damaged.