Earthquake rocks Manipur, 5 killed, houses collapse in Imphal

The epicentre of the quake measuring 6.7, which was felt at 4:35 hrs and at a depth of 17 kms, was located  at latitude 24.8 degrees north and  longitude 93.5 degrees east, the  India Meteorological Department (IMD)  website said.

The IMD has called the earthquake as 'moderate'.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) website said the intensity of the quake was 6.8.

Tremors were felt in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Damage to property due to the earthquake has been reported from Imphal.

Police said several buildings have been damaged in the area.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted: "Felt my room shake, in Siliguri government guest house! Hope everyone is ok. #tremor."

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has spoken to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the issue.

"Spoke to Rajnath ji, who is in Assam, on the situation arising due to the earthquake & asked him to oversee the situation," Modi tweeted.

He also spoke to Assam CM Tarun Gogoi.

"Had a telephone conversation with Assam CM Shri Tarun Gogoi on the earthquake in the state & the region," Modi said.


(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath and Supriyo Hazra)