PM Modi speaks to Sushil Koirala, assures assistance

"Spoke to PM Sushil Koirala, who is in transit in Bangkok on his way to Kathmandu. Assured all support & assistance during this tough time," Modi tweeted.

A massive earthquake with epicenter located about 80 km northwest of Kathmandu hit Nepal claiming more than 120 lives and causing devastating damage as it also rocked a major part of India killing at least 5 people.

United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake - which struck east of Pokhara- measured 7.9 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of the quake is located 35 km east of Lamjung district in Nepal.

Buildings, temples and towers collapsed and cracks appeared on the roads in Nepal where the devastation was yet to be measured.

According to media reports, the Nepal Home Ministry puts the toll at more than 115  with 71 being killed alone in Kathmandu, the capital.

However, the figure may shot up as searches are on  for more bodies from under the rubble of collapsed structures.

The historic Dharara Tower built in the 19th century in Kathmandu collapsed, trapping at least 50 people, Nepal media reported.

The tower had been open to visitors for the last 10 years and had a viewing balcony on its eighth floor. Witnesses spoke of dead bodies being removed from the site.

Reports said the quake triggered avalanches on the Mount Everest and landslides in parts of Sikkim.

In India, the tremor reportedly killed 5 people in different parts of Bihar as it was strongly felt also in many other areas, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and the northeast.