KATHMANDU - An aftershock measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale on Thursday night rocked central Nepal reeling in the aftermath of major earthquakes last month which caused huge damage and claimed over 9,000 lives.

National Seismological Central of Nepal said that the epicenter of Thursday's quake was in Sindhupalchowk district, 65 km off Kathmandu.

Sindhupalchowk was one of the badly-hit districts of the Himalayan nation in the April 25 quake.

People have been feeling three to four mild tremors almost every day in Nepal after the devastating earthquake jolted Nepal on April 25.

As the rainy monsoon season is expected to arrive in Nepal within a few days, a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall since Wednesday evening has claimed at least 21 lives in Taplejung district in northeastern Nepal.

Similarly, 40 people have gone missing in the district following the landslides, said Shanti Raj Koirala, Deputy Superintendent of Nepal Police based in Taplejung,

"The death toll may go up since we are carrying out rescue efforts," he added.

The Nepal Army personnel and other government agencies have expedited rescue efforts after the devastating landslides.