Earthquake Hits Nepal With Magnitude- 7.9; Heavy Damage Reported

A strong magnitude-7.9 earthquake hit near Nepal's capital of Kathmandu before noon Saturday. The epicenter was 80 kilometers (49 mile) northwest of Kathmandu.

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.

The U.S. Geological Survey revised the magnitude from 7.5 to 7.9 and said the quake hit at 11:56 a.m. local time (0611 GMT) at Lamjung a shallow depth of 11 kilometers (7 miles).

The tremors were also felt across India, including capital New Delhi, Kolkata, Bhopal and Patna.

Mohammad Shahab, a resident from Lahore, Pakistan, said he was sitting in his office when the earthquake rocked the city near the border with India.

Reportedly the quake was at depth of 11.9 km.