Nepal earthquake: video footage shows terrifying moment devastating quake struck

The footage conveys the raw power of the earthquake has so far killed more than 2,200

People free a man from the rubble of a destroyed building after an earthquake hit Nepal, in Kathmandu, Nepal (EPA)

Footage has emerged of the moment a devastating earthquake struck Nepal killing thousands of people.

The earthquake registered at 7.8 on the Richter scale and has so far claimed the lives of at least 2,200 people after it devastated the heavily populated Kathmandu valley and caused an avalanche on Mount Everest.

Students huddled under desks as the earthquake shook the foundation of their school building.

Around 4,625 people are believed to have been hurt by the earthquake, from which tremors were felt as far as Delhi, and a 6.7 magnitude aftershock.

Pope Francis has since led prayers in St. Peter's Square for the dead and displaced from the quake.

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 first group of survivors from the avalanche on Mount Everest triggered by Saturday's earthquake have now begun to arrive in Kathmandu.

Survivors flown into the city have now been taken to hospitals. None appeared to have life-threatening injuries.

At least 17 people are believed to have died on the mountain, though the number of missing remains unknown.