Earthquake and aftershocks hit north-east India, several casualties reported

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck the north-east part of India in the wee hours of Monday, claiming at least eight lives in Manipur and injuring nearly 100.  

The earthquake had its epicenter at Manipur’s Tamenglong district and also affected adjoining states and neighboring countries in the region. Guwahati was affected by at least two tremors lasting close to a minute. The northern part of West Bengal felt moderate tremors too. Hajipur, Gaya and Patna reportedly experienced minor tremors.

Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams of 90 personnel each have been rushed to Imphal from Guwahati. The prime minister was briefed about the incident by Home Minister Rajnath Singh who was in Guwahati, as part of his two-day trip to Assam.

MHA is actively monitoring the situation after the earthquake in the North East region. NDRF teams have been rushed to affected areas.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) January 4, 2016

PM Modi tweeted that Jitendra Singh, MoS (independent charge), ministry of development of north-eastern region who is also in Assam will oversee the relief operations.

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

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2016

According to local authorities, tremors damaged several buildings in Imphal. There were reports of power failures in the capital.

Three persons were reportedly injured in Siliguri, West Bengal.  

Hindustan Times reported that The Northeast Frontier Railway halted its services for two hours immediately after the quake was felt. Aftershocks of 3.4 magnitude were felt at around 10.