Reconstruction work in the impoverished Asian nation could account for nearly 20 percent of its GDP.
Relatives constructed makeshift pyres after failing to find space in the designated cremation areas as thousands camped by a river around Kathmandu.
Just days before Saturday's devastating earthquake, a team of experts had warned of a "serious and growing earthquake risk" in Nepal.
Officials and aid groups also worry about the challenge of accessing remote areas of the Himalayan nation.
One of the world’s poorest countries, Nepal is an agricultural nation that relies on tourism to boost its economy. That might be in jeopardy now.
“Within minutes, the shops and old buildings started falling like a pack of cards."
The U.S. sent a military aid plane to Nepal that is set to arrive with personnel, an assistance response team and 45 tons of cargo.
Rolling aftershocks and rain continue to pummel Nepal after Saturday's 7.8-magnitude quake. More than 2,500 people are dead.
Here’s how to donate to the earthquake relief effort in Nepal.
As international aid workers frantically dig for survivors in Nepal, monsoon season has begun to take effect and douse Kathmandu with torrential rain.
Among the thousands killed, it has been confirmed that at least three Americans are also dead after the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on Saturday.
China has already pledged $2.2 million more than the United States to Nepal and is sending 62 rescue workers.
The earthquake is the worst disaster to hit the nation in at least 80 years.