Low-intensity tremors rocked most parts of Idukki district in the early hours of Friday. No damage has been reported from any parts of the district so far.
Tremors were felt at most parts of the district including Mullaperiyar, Vagamon, Kulamavu, Upputhode and Thopramkudi. Many people were awakened from sleep early in the morning as they felt the shock and heard rumbling noises.
P. K. Mani, Director of the State Electricity Board’s Research Station monitoring tremors in the area, said that the tremors had occurred at 5.37 am and 5.45 am in the morning. Initial estimates showed that the magnitude of the first tremor was 2.8 on the Richter scale. The second tremor measured 3.4 on the Richter scale. It was not unusual for the second tremor to be higher in magnitude. (Usually, an earthquake is followed by tremors of lower magnitude).
He said that that no damage had been reported from any parts of the district. The police, forest and revenue authorities were making enquiries.
The weather bureau here said that the epicentre of the quake was 9.8 degrees North and 77.1 degrees East. This falls near the Kalkoothal area of Idukki district close to Upputhode and Nedumkandam and not far from the Idukki reservoir.
This is the sixth time tremors are occurring in the district in recent months.
Our Principal Correspondent, Kottayam adds:
Tremors of low magnitude shook parts of adjoining areas in Kottayam district in the early hours of the day on Friday.
According to P S Biju, director in charge at Metcentre, Thiruvananthapuram, the tremor was of 3.1 magnitude on the Richter scale. The epicentre of the tremor lay 9.8 degree North latitude and 77.1 degree East longitude. “The area is near Erattayar Dam in Idukki district,” Mr Biju said. The first shock was recorded by 5:46 am.
In Kottayam, areas bordering Idukki district felt mild tremors in the morning. According to reports, Erattupetta, Teekoy, Vazhikkadavu, Wagamon, Poonjar Thekkekkara areas felt the impact of tremors. No loss to life or property has been reported.
In Idukki tremors were felt in area around Kattappana.
