India quake death toll tops 80

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in India has topped 80 in the country and neighboring Nepal and China.

The magnitude 6.9 quake hit the northeastern state of Sikkim in the Himalayas on Sunday. Many buildings collapsed and mudslides also occurred.

Indian government officials say that at least 70 people died and 170 others have been injured in the country.

Six deaths have been confirmed in Nepal and another 7 in the Tibetan autonomous region.

The death toll from the quake now stands at 83.

Nearly 6,000 Indian military troops and police have been mobilized for search and rescue operations.

But roads to villages in the mountains have been cut off by mudslides. Military helicopters are dropping food in the affected areas.