Tuesday, February 14 2006 10:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Gangtok: An earthquake of moderate intensity occurred in Sikkim and North Bengal early this (Feb 14,2006)morning.

The quake, having a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale, occurred at 6.25 a.m. It was epicentred at 27.7-degree north and 88.8 degree east, the Meteorological Department said.

Although there was no casualty or damage to property, people ran out of their houses in panic here and nearby areas of Deorali, Tadong and Chandmari, according to DIG (Range) Akshay Sachdeva.

Tremors were also felt in North Bengal, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Malda and adjoining areas.