An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale shook eastern parts of Nepal including Kathmandu valley Sunday evening. The strong tremors occurred around 6:26 pm (NST) and lasted for just about a minute.

According to National Seismologic Center (NSC) in Kathmandu, the epicenter of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake was in the border areas of Taplejung. Tremors were felt as far as Sikkim state of India.

Residents of Kathmandu valley were terrorized by the quake that rocked the city very briefly. Panic stricken people came running out of cinema halls, malls and offices after they felt the tremors. Mobile phone networks were also jammed as people started calling their loved ones to know about their condition while traffic in major thoroughfares were clogged for a while.

At least three deaths are reported in Kathmandu after wall of the British embassy collapsed and hit the pedestrians.

Other details are awaited.

nepalnews.com