Earthquake Strikes Andaman Islands

A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck off the whole of Andaman islands early this morning.

Photo: Earthquake Strikes Andaman Islands

Though no casualty was reported from any part of the island region, there was widespread panic among the people.

The official sources said the region was rattled by the tremors early this morning, bringing back memories of devastating tsunami of December 2004, Press Trust of India reports.

The quake hit at 1.55am (19.55 GMT Monday) around 260 kilometres north of Port Blair, and was around 30 kilometres deep, Independent Online reports.

Meanwhile, The Japanese tremor, which registered 6.4 on the Richter scale, caused a landslide and shut down a nuclear power plant and bullet trains, officials said.

Buildings shook, objects were thrown from shelves and people were jolted from their sleep in and around Tokyo at 5:07am on Tuesday (9.07pm BST Monday).

Over 60 people were hurt by the quake, which occured in the Pacific Ocean, about 105 miles southwest of Tokyo, at a depth of 16 miles, Sky News reports.