A collapsed building is seen following a strong quake in Imphal, northeast India, on Dec. 4, 2015. (AFP PHOTO)
Guwahati, India – At least eight people were killed and scores injured yesterday when a strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck northeast India, sending panicked residents fleeing into the streets even hundreds of kilometers away in Bangladesh.
Five were killed in India, the government said, while three people died in Bangladesh after suffering strokes or heart attacks following the early-morning quake.
Anurag Gupta of India’s National Disaster Management Authority said buildings had been damaged in Imphal, capital of Manipur state where the quake was centred.
“Five people are confirmed dead and 33 have been injured in Imphal. A six-story building in the capital was partially damaged and some small structures have also developed cracks,” he told AFP.
An official at one of the main hospitals in Imphal however said more than 50 people had been admitted since the quake with head injuries and limb fractures.
Imphal resident Deepak Shijagurumayum whose house was severely damaged described scenes of chaos after the quake.
“People were crying and praying in the streets and in open spaces. Hundreds remained outdoors for several hours fearing aftershocks.”
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at 4:35 a.m. 29 kilometers west-northwest of Imphal.