Kathmandu: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter Scale has shaken western and central Nepal including the Kathmandu Valley, forcing people to rush out of their homes in panic.


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According to the National Seismological Centre, the epicentre of the quake was in Gorkha district, about 150 kms west of Kathmandu, the same area where a 7.8 magnitude temblor on April 25 last year killed over 9,000 people and left behind a trail of devastation.


The quake was strong enough to drag people out of their houses. No casualties were reported so far from the area. At least 434 aftershocks with four or more magnitude have been recorded so far since the last year's devastating earthquake.


On Saturday, a 4.1 magnitude aftershock was recorded with its epicentre at Nuwakot district. Some two weeks ago, central Nepal was hit by a strong earthquake that created panic among the people of Kathmandu.


The 5.5 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 10.05 PM on February 5, with epicentre located at Sindhupalchowk district.


The higher frequency of occurrences of low magnitude tremors lessen the possibility of bigger earthquake in central Nepal, according to experts.


Some 12 km beneath the surface of Kathmandu valley, energy created by the April?s earthquake is said to be stored, which could burst at any time causing an earthquake similar to that of April-May last year.