Quake jolts Bangladesh, no casualty

Dhaka, Nov 7 (UNI) A strong earthquake, measuring 6 on the Richter scale, jolted South and Southeastern Bangladesh this afternoon, causing panic among the people and cracks in many buildings.

No serious damage or casualty was reported, officials said. The epicentre of the tremor, felt at about 1310 local time was about 253 kms southeast off Dhaka Seismic Observatory and 67 kms of east-south off Chittagong Seismic Observatory.

Residents in the affected areas said strong tremors which lasted for 20-25 seconds were felt in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Comilla and Noakhali districts lasted for 20-25 seconds.

Panicked by the sudden jolts, the people rushed out of their houses as Muslims blared 'Azan' from mosques while Hindu community played 'Uuludhoni' seeking God's blessing during the quake.

An official in southeastern Rangamati hill district said a man was injured as he jumped off the rooftop of a two-storied building being panicked during the tremor. Cracks developed in a number of buildings in Rangamati, Bandarban and Chittagong cities.

UNI