A HAMPSHIRE born woman has avoided death in a major earthquake that has killed thousands of people.

Tara Bradshaw, 24, had been planning to go to a festival in Kathmandu when the 7.8 magnitude quake struck in Nepal.

More than 3,000 people have been confirmed dead, and the toll is expected to rise following Saturday's disaster and the 6.7 magnitude aftershock yesterday (Sunday) morning.

The former Kings' School pupil's boyfriend, Alex Parry, 25, has spoken of his massive relief at discovering she is alive and well.

He said: “Obviously I am just so massively relieved. I'm over the moon.

“I have not managed to speak to her myself yet but she called her mum to say she was fine.

“There was only time for a very quick call as it was her friend's phone and the battery was going but at least we know she is OK.

“I just really feel so devastated for all those who have died and for those who are still worrying and waiting for news.

“The destruction that has also been caused to all those homes and the beautiful buildings and monuments is just awful.”

Ms Bradshaw, of Brighton, has been travelling in India and Nepal since January.

She is planning to study for a masters degree and was due home in the next few months but Mr Parry is hoping she will now return sooner.

The earthquake sent tremors through the Kathmandu Valley and the nearby city of Pokhara and the death toll is expected to continue to rise over the next few days.

The majority of fatalities were reported in Nepal, with deaths also being confirmed in India, Tibet, Bangladesh and the Nepal-China border.

The UK has deployed a team, including ten Hampshire firefighters, to provide urgent humanitarian support for those affected.

Experts in search and rescue travelled to Nepal yesterday to begin work assessing the scale of damage, and help local authorities to direct the response.