Video: Turkish tourists film the terrifying moment Nepal earthquake struck Kathmandu Durbar Square

Buildings topple and birds scatter as the 7.9 magnitude earthquake hits the capital

Video has emerged from Nepal showing the almost apocalyptic moment when a 7.9 magnitude hit Kathmandu's historic Durbar Square.

The footage was filmed by Turkish tourists Sibel and Dincer Yazici, who were on the fifth floor of a cafe overlooking the square in the Nepalese capital.

The video shows the tourists filming the scene around them from the roof of the cafe when suddenly the building begins to shake and the camera pans down as people yell in shock and fear. Beer cans and bottles are seen rolling along the floor with plates heard smashing in the background.

The camera then pans back up to show Durbar Square: whereas seconds before the scene was serene, now dust clouds are rising up past the wobbling ancient buildings, and birds flutter around manically as they flee the ensuing carnage.

The death toll from the earthquake could reach 10,000, according to the latest statement from the Nepalese prime minister. The current death toll stands at 4,349. The UN estimates that eight million people were affected by the devastating earthquake.

"The government is doing all it can for rescue and relief on a war footing," Prime Minister Sushil Koirala told Reuters. "It is a challenge and a very difficult hour for Nepal."

The footage from the Turkish couple shows how the quake struck many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. Drone footage in recent days has shown the full extent of the devastation caused to historical sites, many of which formed the lifeblood of Nepal's tourist industry.