Major earthquake strikes northeast India near Myanmar border

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6.7 magnitude quake hits India's northeast

GAUHATI, India (AP) — India's remote northeast region was hit before dawn on Monday by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake but there was no immediate word on casualties.

India's Meteorological Department said the epicenter of the quake was in Tamenglong region of Manipur state. It struck before dawn on Monday at a depth of 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) in the India-Myanmar border region. The U.S. Geological Survey said the depth was 55 kilometers (about 34 miles).

People panicked and rushed out of their homes in Gauhati, the capital of neighboring Assam state as they felt massive shaking at least twice within 60 seconds.

In the city of Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, residents said furniture was knocked over and books fell off shelves but no major damage was reported so far.

The area is dotted with small houses. There are few tall buildings in the region.

The tremors were also felt in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-01-04