Tremors felt in Chennai, as earthquake hits Bay of Bengal

Mild tremors hit the city of Chennai this morning, as an earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal. The United States Geological Survey said that an earthquake measuring 4.9 metre on the Richter scale hit the Bay of Bengal. The earthquake, which caused tremors in the city at around 7 am, was at a depth of 10 kilometres, the United States Geological Survey added. It is said that the earthquake was located over 600 km east-northeast off the coast of Chennai. While the USGS measured the earthquake at 4.9m, the India Meteorological Department put the figure at 5.1m.
Soon after tremors hit the city, many residents took to the social media to express their concern. Recounting the tragic Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat that killed over 13,000 people, a user wrote: "Definitely shaking around 7.05. rekindled memories of gujarat 2000." Another resident posted: "We could definitely feel the tremors here in Alandur, vibrant tremors."

Weather Blogger Pradeep John posted: "Earthquake of 4.9 scale did not happen with epicenter in Chennai. It was located far away from Chennai. No harm is expected and nothing to worry. Dont believe in any rumors and dont forward any of the them. Lets see the past quakes in this zone. We have seen a much higher intensity one in 1999."