Authorities in Nepal say at least 128 people have been confirmed dead in a strong earthquake that hit the western part of the country.

The United States Geological Survey says the quake had an estimated magnitude of 5.6 and struck shortly before midnight on Friday, local time, at a depth of about 18 kilometers.

Nepalese authorities estimate a magnitude of 6.4. They say the epicenter was in Jajarkot, a district about 300 kilometers northwest of the capital, Kathmandu.

Local officials say they have confirmed at least 128 deaths. They say a number of others have been injured.

Footage shows many houses that have completely collapsed and rescue workers who are trying to remove debris by hand.

The quake hit an area where villages and settlements are spread across mountains.

There are reports that landslides are hindering rescue operations. Details of the damage are still unknown.

In 2015, a magnitude-7.8 quake struck central Nepal. About 9,000 people lost their lives in the quake or aftershocks.