Moderate earthquake recorded in Mizoram, other NE states

Aizawl, June 21 A moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale shook Mizoram, adjoining northeastern states and areas bordering Myanmar on Sunday.

There was no report of any damage or casualty, officials said.

According to an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the tremor hit Mizoram capital Aizawl, parts of the mountainous state and adjoining areas of northeastern states at 4.16 p.m..

The epicentre of the quake that lasted a few seconds was at 35 km depth. The state had also witnessed a earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale on Thursday night.

Seismologists consider the mountainous northeast region as the sixth major earthquake-prone belt in the world.

In 1897, a Shillong-epicentred quake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale hit the area.

In 1950, an earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale altered the course of Brahmaputra river.

( With inputs from IANS )