Patna: At least 35 people were killed in Bihar as a massive earthquake struck Nepal and the adjoining areas in northern India on Saturday, officials said.
Five people, including two children, were killed when buildings collapsed in different parts of the state.
The two children of the same family died as a wall collapsed in Bhagalpur. One person each was killed in Sitamarhi, Darbhanga and Vaishali.
Buildings developed cracks in Supaul and Purnia districts.
Tremors were felt in various parts of Bihar, as electricity and telephone services were affected across the state.
A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the state for rescue and relief operations.
State disaster management chief secretary Vyas Ji said strong tremors were felt in Patna, Gaya, Sitamarhi, Nalanda, Buxar, Purnia and Begusarai, adding that no major damage was reported.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to take stock of the situation after the earthquake. No major damage has been reported yet,” Chief Minister Nitish Kumar told media persons in Delhi.
Nitish Kumar, who reached Delhi on Friday, is expected to return soon to Patna.
The Met and disaster management departments issued alerts on the likely occurrence of another earthquake on Sunday in districts bordering Nepal.
The officials concerned have been asked to remain on high alert.