A strong earthquake has struck Myanmar, the US Geological Survey reports, with shaking felt across the region.

The 6.9 magnitude quake took place at a depth of around 140km (87 miles), north-west of Mandalay. There were no initial reports of any fatalities.

The tremor could be felt in the north-east Indian state of Assam, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are staying.

The royal couple, who are staying in a national park, were unharmed.

People in Myanmar's main city, Yangon, in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, and in Kolkata in India fled buildings in panic when the tremor struck.

Tremors are relatively common in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). This earthquake occurred at intermediate depth, according to the USGS, which means it took place within the Indian tectonic plate as it subducts beneath Eurasia.

While such earthquakes may be felt at the Earth's surface, they are less likely to cause severe damage.

An Associated Press news agency reporter in Yangon reported seeing a seven-storey hospital shake during Wednesday's two-minute quake, causing staff and patients to flee the building.

(BBC)