Yangon (AFP) – Myanmar was struck by a magnitude 6.9 quake on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey reported, with tremors in India and China sending residents rushing out into the streets.
The quake, which was 134 kilometres (214 miles) deep, hit some 396 kilometres north northwest of the capital Naypyidaw, the USGS added.
However there were no immediate reports of casualties.
In neighbouring India, tremors were felt in the northeastern cities of Kolkata, Shillong, Guwahati and Patna.
In Kolkata, one of India’s biggest cities, people spilled out of their houses onto the streets, an AFP reporter said.
“I was inside, working and then suddenly I felt the ground shaking,” local resident Chiranjeet Ghosh told television news channels.
“People started yelling ‘something is happening, let’s get out!’ and we immediately rushed out.
“I came out and saw that everyone else around here had already evacuated their homes and poured onto the streets.”
Residents in Kolkata also reported seeing cracks appearing in buildings following the quake, while the city’s metro was suspended for a few minutes.
Chinese official news agency Xinhua said strong tremors were felt in Tibet.
“Xinhua reporters said strong tremors, lasting for about a minute, were felt in Lhasa, the regional capital,” the agency said.
“Some residents were seen rushing out of their houses for safety.”
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