Strong earthquake strikes Nepal, tremors felt in Pakistan and India

Strong tremors were also felt across Northern India and minor tremors were reported in Lahore and parts of Punjab. —AFP/File

KATHMANDU: A strong 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit near Nepal's capital of Kathmandu before noon Saturday, causing extensive damage with toppled walls and collapsed buildings, officials said.

Dozens of people with injuries were being brought to the main hospital in central Kathmandu.There was no immediate estimate on fatalities.

Several buildings collapsed in the center of the capital, including centuries-old temples, said resident Prachanda Sual. He said he saw people running through the streets in panic.

Ambulance sirens blared and government helicopters hovered overhead.

National radio warned people to stay outdoors because more aftershocks are feared. It is also asking people to maintain calm. Old Kathmandu city is a warren of tightly packed, narrow lanes with poorly constructed homes piled on top of each other.

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 on the scene.