Tremors were felt in Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and several other cities across south India following the 8.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia.
Kerala jolted
Mild tremors jolted many areas of Kerala triggering widespread panic especially in coastal areas. Many parts including central Kerala, Kochi and south Kerala experienced mild tremors. In many areas people rushed out of high-rise buildings fearing after-shocks.
In 'Technopark', IT hub in Thiruvananthpuram, employees were evacuated from high-rise buildings but allowed to enter after no abnormalities were reported. Ships berthed near Kochi port were asked to move to high seas.
The state has been put on high tsunami alert soon after the news from Indonesia trickled in. Fishermen who ventured out to the sea were advised to reach the shore immediately.
The 2004 tsunami, which hit parts of Kollam and Alapuzha disricts, had claimed 165 lives. Chief minister Oommen Chandy chaired a high-level meeting and reviewed rehabilitation arrangements in case of an emergency.
Tremors felt in Karnataka
Tremors were felt in Bangalore, Mangalore, Karwar and other places in the state following the 8.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia.
Areas near Mangalore, Udupi and Karwar were alerted in the wake of the coastal regions being put on alert. The general public and fishermen were warned not to go near the sea.
In Bangalore and Mangalore cities, people rushed out of houses and high rise office buildings in panic. Meanwhile, operations at Mangalore and Karwar port are suspended, government sources said.
{{/usCountry}}In Bangalore and Mangalore cities, people rushed out of houses and high rise office buildings in panic. Meanwhile, operations at Mangalore and Karwar port are suspended, government sources said.
{{/usCountry}}Prakash, director of Karnataka Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC), said that there was no earthquake in the state mild tremors were felt. "The Karnataka coastal line is under 'watch category' with possibility of tsunami waves of 0.9 to 1.1 mtrs during 5.30 pm to 9 pm," he said.
Prakash added that alerts will be given to the fishermen and community living along the coastal line to keep away. Fishermen will be advised not to venture into the Sea.
"As such there is no serious concern about loss & damages due to the tremors in Karnataka and KSNDMC has been closely monitoring the situation and will provide further details from time to time," he added.