Authorities in Nepal have told NHK that at least 17 people have died and more than 30 are injured in a strong earthquake in the western part of the country.
The United States Geological Survey says the quake had an estimated magnitude of 5.6 and occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Friday local time at a depth of about 18 kilometers.
Nepalese authorities say the epicenter was about 500 kilometers west of the capital, Kathmandu.
Rescue operations are underway. Details of the damage are still unknown.