An earthquake measuring 7.9 magnitude has struck 80km east of Pokhara in Nepal about half way between the town and the capital Kathmandu, the US Geological Survey says.

Earthquake damages

Nepal's Information Minister Minendra Rijal told India's NDTV station that there are reports of damage in and around Kathmandu but no immediate word on casualties.

He said rescue teams were responding. Reuters news agency cited witnesses as saying that survivors with broken limbs were rushed to hospitals.

Photos posted on Twitter showed buildings left in rubble, large cracks along roads and worried residents on the streets.

A strong earthquake has been felt in several areas of North and North east India. The magnitude of the earthquake was 7 on the richter scale.

The epicentre of the earthquake was East of Pokhra in Nepal. Tremors were felt in various parts of India, including NCR, MP, Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, Jaipur, Ranchi, UP.

Peoples are out from Hospital

"Earthquake of the magnitude 7.5 was observed 77 km north west of Kathmandu. Depth of earthquake was 10 kms and the coordinates 28.1 and 24.6. The intensity which was felt. More intense shocks were observed in eastern UP and Bihar. The tremors were equally felt in subhimalayan West Bengal and Himalayan West Bengal. Tremors were felt in entire North India. The intensity in Delhi was felt at about 5 on the richter scale. After this earthquake, there was an aftershock of 6.6 magnitude also," LS Rathore, DG Met Department.

Measuring the earthquake map

Huge damage to property is expected but there is no information about any loss of life so far.

Terming it as a strong earthquake, Met director GL Gautam said that the earthquake was recorded at 21 degree north and 84.6 degree east.

Strong aftershocks have been felt across Nepal and North India.

Reacting to the earthquake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "we are working to reach out to those affected, both at home and in Nepal." The PM has also spoken to Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling over the earthquake.

Source: CNN-IBN