New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday tweeted that he has directed officials to take steps to restore communication lines along the Indo-Nepal border.

"I have directed officials to take steps to restore communication lines in Indo-Nepal border. Monitoring the situation very closely," the minister tweeted.

Expressing his condolence to the families of those affected by the massive earthquake, Prasad said: "Extremely distressed over the massive earthquake in Nepal & India. My heart goes to those who lost their life. Prayers for injured & affected."

As many as 500 people were killed in a major earthquake - measuring a staggering 7.9 on the Richter scale - that rocked Nepal, a Nepalese official said.

The minister has also asked Telecom Secretary Rakesh Garg to take stock of the damages in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh due to the earthquake and start restoration work, according to an official statement.

It also said Chief General Managers of BSNL in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been directed to measure the quantum of damages in these areas and draw the restoration plans in the affected areas.