A strong earthquake killed more than 100 people in Tibet and left many others trapped in the autonomous region of western China, state media say.

More than 400 people trapped by a strong earthquake in the foothills of the Himalayas have been rescued, Chinese officials said, while over 30,000 residents have been relocated, as the search for survivors entered a second day on Wednesday.

Villages report several people trapped under rubble and extensive damage, authorities say, as State Council dispatches task force.