Monday, March 14 2005 17:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Panaji: Mild tremors measuring 5.1 was today (March 14, 2005) experienced in parts of Goa, forcing people to rush out of buildings in panic.

However, official sources said no damage to life or property was reported.

"A tremor of moderate intensity was felt in most parts of Goa, which registered at 5.1 on the Richter scale. However, no casualties have been reported so far", director of the Meteorological Survey K N Singh told sources in Panaji.

The epicentre of the quake was in Koyna in Maharashtra, 190 kilometres from the State capital Panaji.

"The tremor can be classified as of moderate intensity and was recorded for a duration of 22 seconds in Panaji", he said adding the possibility of further tremors could not be ruled out.

Singh said the tremor was felt in most parts of Goa, especially the northwestern areas of the State.

While the impact of the tremor was minimal in Panaji, other areas including Vasco Da Gama felt a noticeable tremor, forcing people to come out of buildings.

"Goa falls in zone 3, which means that tremors of moderate intensity can be felt here. However since the epicentre of the tremor was on ground, there is no possibility of ocean waters being disturbed on this account", Singh added.