Breaking: A major earthquake measuring 6.7 hits India's Manipur state and other neighbouring countries

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake has struck the northeastern region of India, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake hit at around 4:35 am local time.

The earthquake's epicentre was in India's Manipur state in the Tamenglong region about 18 miles west of Imphal. An initial survey has reported a magnitude of 6.7, but the readings are subject to change.

India Today reports that at least 8 people have died and more than 100 are reportedly injured because of the impact of the strong earthquake. The toll is expected to rise in the future. The tremors, lasting for about a minute, are belived to have caused heavy damage to the buildings in Manipur and neighbouring areas.

The extend of the damage is still unknown, however, images of cracked buildings have started to appear on the social media. A 6-floor building has reportedly collaposed in Imphal because of the earthquake impact and is believed to have left many injured.

The earthquake struck before dawn on Monday at a depth of 10 miles from the India-Mayanmar border, reports CBS News. The depth of the earthquake is believed to be around 34 miles.

Tremors were also felt in the neighbouring states including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizorama and Tripura. People, all in a state of panic, were seen rushing out of their homes in Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Reportedly, two NDRF teams have been rushed from Guwahati to Imphal for rescue operations.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked union home minister Rajnath Singh, who happens to be in Guwahati, to oversee the situation in the region.

"Spoke to Rajnath ji, who is in Assam, on the situation arising due to the earthquake & asked him to oversee the situation," PM Modi tweeted.

The northeastern belt is considered to be the sixth major earthquake-prone area in the world.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.