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A 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit India's remote northeast region before dawn on Monday, killing at least six people, injuring more than 100 others and causing damage to several buildings.
The death and injuries were caused by falling debris. Three people were killed in Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, and another three in other parts of the state, said police officer A.K. Jalajit. India's Meteorological Department said the epicenter of the quake was in Tamenglong region of Manipur state. (Express Photo by Deepak Shijagurumayum)
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The powerful tremor left large cracks in walls and a portion of a popular market building collapsed in the state capital. The area is dotted with small houses. There are few tall buildings in the region, although a newly constructed six-story building collapsed in Imphal, the police control room said.
Ema Keithel in Imphal, damaged after Monday's earthquake. (Express Photo by Deepak Shijagurumayum)
The earthquake struck before dawn on Monday at a depth of 17 kilometers not far from the border with Myanmar. A bridge also was damaged on the outskirts of Imphal, police said. (Express Photo by Deepak Shijagurumayum)
A girl was killed in a building collapse at Tamenglong district, while another person died at Taobungkhok village in Imphal West district, police said. (Express Photo by Deepak Shijagurumayum)
Nearly 20 persons were injured in Guwahati and other areas in Assam due to the earthquake, Assam Commissioner and Secretary (Disaster Management) Pramod Kumar Tiwari said. Officials said at least 30 buildings have developed cracks. (Express Photo by Deepak Shijagurumayum)
The epicenter was 35 kilometers northwest of Imphal. The area is remote with poor cellphone and Internet connections, and information about conditions outside of major cities may take time to emerge.
Indian soldiers and locals remove debris from a damaged building after the earthquake (AP Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had spoken to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is in Assam, and asked him to oversee the situation arising due to the earthquake.
The PM also spoke to Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and other chief ministers in the region to take stock of the situation.
(AP Photo)
Two National Disaster Response Force teams,the specialized federal force for natural disasters, were air lifted from Guwahati to Imphal.
The NDMA said it was co-ordinating with the state governments, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, NDRF, Ministry of Telecom and other concerned Government departments and agencies for search & rescue and relief.
The interior of a damaged house in Imphal. (AP Photo)
The Centre will provide all necessary help and support to Manipur and other affected states, the Union Home minister said.
All states in the North-East are categorized under zone V in the country's Seismological map and considered to be highly vulnerable.
Men inspect the damage caused to a collapsed building in Imphal. (AP Photo)
