Nepal earthquake: 'Years before nation gets over trauma'

People survey the rubble of damaged buildings a day after a massive earthquake, in Kathmamdu. Photo / AP

A leading charity has warned it could be years before Nepal fully recovers from the deadly earthquake that ripped through the country on Saturday.

Unicef spokesman Patrick Rose, based in New Zealand, said cold weather and rain was expected to compound misery for victims.

"At the moment the biggest issues are going to be water, shelter and medical supplies."

One of his colleagues in Nepal spent the night in a car, among the many people unwilling to go inside.

Mr Rose said New Zealanders donated about $40,000 to Unicef overnight to help Nepal. He said the agency had already airlifted 120 tonnes of supplies to the country.

Mr Rose said Nepal was going though a "national trauma" but tents, medical supplies, water and food would be delivered promptly.

"The key infrastructure components like the airports, roads and the bridges weren't as badly affected, so that provides a lifeline," he said. "It will definitely be a few weeks before things stabilise, a few months before things start to really get into a normal happy routine, and definitely years before we get Nepal back on its feet."

Oxfam's Nepal country director, Cecilia Keizer, said thousands would spend another night outside.

Aftershocks and damage to roads were thwarting efforts to reach people outside Kathmandu.

"At the moment, all the death count reports are coming from Kathmandu Valley. Sadly, I fear that this is only the beginning."