Sunday, December 26 2004 11:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: At least 15 people were missing as tremors shook southern and eastern parts of the country this morning (Dec 26, 2004) following a massive earthquake measuring over 8 on Richter scale in Indonesia, triggering tidal waves and flooding parts of coastal India.

Panic stricken residents, especially those residing in high-rise buildings, rushed out of their houses in Orissa, West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as tremors lasting a few seconds were felt at around 6:30 hrs (IST).

At least 15 persons were reported missing after massive tidal waves flooded the areas close to the sea in Chennai's Pattinapakkam and Thirvattriyur areas, police said.

The sea water entered in almost all the areas close to the sea, including the beach resort of Mammalapuram. The sea water washed away several huts in Besantnagar area. Police were trying to ascertain whether anybody was missing.

The Indian Metrological Department said a massive earthquake measuring 8.1 on Richter scale was recorded near Sumatra Islands in Indonesia and the shocks were felt in Chennai.

The effects of such a quake "can be felt upto 2000 kms", experts said. Police aid that at the Chennai Port Trust, sea water had entered some of the buildings close to the sea.

No loss of life or property was reported in Orissa where the tremors were felt in capital Bhubaneshwar as well as districts of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Jajpur.

In south West Bengal, the earthquake was reported from the districts of North and South 24 Parganas, Bankura, Nadia and East and West Midnapore besides the tourist town of Digha.

There was no report of any damage of property or life from any of these districts, police said.