India committed to assist Nepal: Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said India was committed to assist Nepal in every way possible in dealing with the situation after a massive earthquake rocked the Himalayan country.

Mujherjee expressed grief over the deaths in Nepal and India due to the earthquake. Nearly 700 have died in Nepal and at least 34 in India.

Addressing Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav in a tweet, he said: "Ram Baran Yadav of Nepal - deeply distressed at loss of life and property due to earthquake."

In another tweet, Mukherjee said: "India committed to assist government of Nepal in every way possible in dealing with situation.

"Heartfelt condolences to families of deceased; prayers for speedy recovery of injured on account of earthquake."

The president also called upon governments and other concerned agencies to take all necessary steps to provide relief to those affected by the earthquake.

"Call upon state governments and concerned agencies to take all necessary steps to provide relief to those affected by earthquake," he tweeted.

The earthquake measured a staggering 7.9 on the Richter scale, and had its epicentre in Nepal's Lamjung district, some 75 km from capital Kathmandu.