A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Kathmandu, Nepal, in the early hours of Friday, sending shockwaves across the region. Tremors were felt in Bihar, Siliguri, and other parts of India, causing panic among residents.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Bhairabkunda in Sindhupalchowk district early this morning, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center.

Nepal lies in one of the most active tectonic zones (Seismic zones IV and V), making the Himalayan nation extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. So far, the worst quake it has witnessed was in April 2015, when a 7.8 magnitude quake killed more than 9,000 people and damaged over 1 million structures.

Representational image of a seismograph recording an earthquake. | Photo Credit: Reuters

According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded at 2:51 AM along Kodari Highway in Sindhupalchowk district, 65 km east of Kathmandu.

The quake, reportedly with Listikot, Sindhupalchowk as its epicenter, shook most parts of eastern and central Nepal. Tremors of the earthquake were felt in the Kathmandu Valley. It is reported that the tremors were felt in parts of India and China.

An earthquake measuring 6.1 Magnitude in Richter scale was recorded along Kodari Highway in Sindhupalchowk district, 65 km East of Kathmandu at 2.51 am, according to National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Kodari Highway in Sindhupalchowk, 65 km east of Kathmandu, at 2.51 am. No immediate damage or casualties reported. Nepal is in a highly seismic zone, having previously experienced a devastating 7.