SILCHAR, Jan 4 - A massive earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale today rattled Barak Valley leaving many injured, and causing widespread panic.
In Silchar, people were jolted by the strong tremors and its aftershocks. With load shedding following the quake, people rushed out of their homes in the wee hours looking for safe shelter.
�We got scared and were reminded of the tragic earthquake that shook Nepal last year,� said Rahul Sinha, a youth from Vivekananda Road. Many others have said that this was by far the strongest jolt in the recent times. According to the Cachar District Disaster Management wing, over 40 people have received minor injuries and cracks have been found in many government and private buildings across the town.
�Soon after the quake, the State Disaster Response Force, police and fire departments were put on alert and were patrolling to spot the damages. Even though there have been reports of minor injuries and cracks in buildings, there have been no casualty found as yet,� Deputy Commissioner S Vishwanathan said.
Significant cracks have been noticed in various places including the RASMAC office of the State Bank of India in Ukilpatty. Also cement flakes were seen eroding from the ceiling of District Library. Cracks on the floor and walls were visible at Vivekananda College at Chenkuri and Women�s College at Shillongpatty. Pillars of Silchar Bara Masjid and Hotel Aradhana at Sonai Road were damaged because of the earthquake. On the other hand, the train to Guwahati scheduled to depart at 5 am had to be delayed by an hour following the panic among the passengers.
