Panic as tremors hit Gujarat again

Another series of tremors have struck India's earthquake-ravaged western state of Gujarat overnight, but officials said they …

Another series of tremors have struck India's earthquake-ravaged western state of Gujarat overnight, but officials said they appeared to have caused little damage.

"We have no report of any damage from the entire district, we are still updating our reports, but I believe the impact has not been significant," said Mr Anil Mukim, district magistrate of Bhuj.

The town of Bhuj bore the brunt of the January 26th earthquake which, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, killed at least 30,000 people and left more than a million homeless.

Terrified residents of Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat, spent the night outdoors after the strongest of many aftershocks which have shaken the region over the last two weeks.

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The tremor, which registered 5.3 on the Richter scale, caused widespread panic. The Indian Expressnewspaper said at least 40 people were injured as they fled high-rise buildings, fell down stairs or jumped off balconies.

The paper reported over 25 people being brought to the city's main hospital and treated for fractures or head injuries.

This takes the number of aftershocks following the main earthquake to 234, according to J.C. Verma, duty officer at the meteorological department.

Reuters