Mild tremors reported for few seconds in cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh in the aftermath of a strong 8.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia, forced the people to ran out of their homes and offices in fear.
Official sources said the tremors were felt in Nellore, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Kakinada, Tuni, Vijayawada,
Tirupati and Ongole even as the National Geographic Research Institute officials here did not deny the
possibility of a tsunami in the Indian shores following the major quake in Sumatra. The port city of Kakinada and other towns along the coast in East Godavari district today experienced mild tremors shortly after 1410 hrs creating panic among the people.
The tremors of mild intensity that lasted a few seconds, made people especially those living in multi
storied apartments rush out screaming and ran helter skelter for safety.
Reports from Kakinada said a special control room was opened at the District Collectorate following a tsunami alert from the Indian National Tsunami Early Warning System.
East Godavari district Collector Neethu Kumary has advised fishermen not to venture into sea in view of the tsunami alert.
The people in coastal villages were also advised to take precautions for their safety. Uppada Kothapalli, Tuni and Antharvedi reported high tides and rough sea.
A report from Vijayawada said mild tremors were felt in several areas, including Vijayawada, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Guntur, Amaravathi, Repalle, Bapatla, Visakhapatnam and Kakinada.
More than 500 students of KL University in Guntur district rushed out of their class rooms after they felt the tremors.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had directed district collectors and Superintendent of police to take all possible measures in view of the major earthquake.
Mr Reddy also asked the Collectors to take the help of Navy, Army and Air Force wherever necessary to face due to the impending Tsunami threat. UN
