Tremors in Kutch press panic button

Tremors measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale frightened residents of Bhuj and other towns in Kutch on Wednesday evening. However, there were no reports of any damage to property or injury to human beings.

The tremors reminded the residents of their worst nightmare of 2001 when the killer earthquake had resulted in large-scale devastation and loss of life. People not just in Kutch but in nearby areas, including Rajkot and Jamnagar, rushed out of their homes.

According to officials, the epicentre of the tremor was at 23.7 latitude and 70:00 longitude. The impact of the tremor was experienced mainly in Bhuj and central and western Kutch.

Interestingly, towns like Bhachau, Anjar and Rapar, which experience frequent tremors, did not feel the impact of the Wednesday's tremor. A resident of Lotus Colony in Bhuj, VM Rana, said they were watching cricket match between India and Australia when they felt earth was moving. "It lasted for merely 4 to 5 seconds but we could realise that it is a heavy tremor. Without wasting time, every one in our residential colony rushed out to keep ourselves safe," said Rana.

Apart from Bhuj, the tremor was also felt in Dhori to Sumrasar and Ahirpatti in Kutch. Nakhatrana also felt the tremor. Officials also said that the impact of the tremor was felt in Morbi, Rajkot and Jamnagar.