Strong quake hits Andaman Islands

{image-Andaman&nicobar1_10082008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Port Blair, Aug 10: A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.6 on the Richter Scale rocked the Andaman Islands this afternoon, triggering panic among the islanders. According to details available from the Andaman unit of the Indian Meteorological Department, the epicenter of the quake was located nearly 145 km away from Port Blair.

The quake was reported at 1350 hours and was felt for nearly 6 to 7 seconds. Panic-stricken islanders came out of their houses and were standing outside for hours after the quake, which reminded them of 2004 mega quake. According to the Disaster Control Room of Andaman, there were no reports of any damage or loss of life in Andaman. ''The quake was not felt in North Andaman region but was strongly felt in Port Blair,'' Mr S N Jha, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman and Incharge of Andaman's Disaster Management Committee said.

The officials also said no tsunami warning was issued for Andamans.

UNI