Magnitude 6.7 quake hits India’s northeast

India’s Meteorological Department says the epicenter of the quake was in Tamenglong region of Manipur state. The death and injuries were caused by falling debris in and around Imphal police said. Damages to a few buildings, residential units and Government Offices have been reported, including damage to a six storey building in Imphal.

The 6.7-magnitude tremor left large cracks in walls, damaged a bridge on the outskirts of the capital and caused a newly constructed six-story building to collapse.

Media reports said five people were killed in neighboring Bangladesh, but there was no official confirmation.

Reports said that Bangladesh has also suffered losses due to quake.

Imphal resident Deepak Shijagurumayum whose house was severely damaged described scenes of chaos after the quake. “Hundreds remained outdoors for several hours fearing aftershocks”.

An natural disaster of moderate intensity rocked India’s north-eastern states and adjoining Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan on Monday morning, the regional seismological centre in Meghalaya said. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is here on a two-day visit, told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him over telephone at 0600 hrs and instructed him to supervise the situation and keep in touch with chief ministers of North East. Mr Singh assured assistance from all Central agencies to handle the situation.

“Many people were seen coming out of their homes in panic”, said local resident Rabin Dev. The tremors were also felt in Kolkata.

India’s seven northeastern states, joined to the rest of the country by a narrow sliver of land, are located in an area of frequent seismic activity.