6.7-magnitude quake rocks India; at least one dead

Associated Press

GAUHATI, India (

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit India’s remote northeast region before dawn on Monday, killing at least one person, injuring 50 others and causing damage to several buildings.

The death and injuries were caused by falling debris in and around Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, police said.

The powerful tremor left large cracks in walls and a portion of a popular market building collapsed in the state capital.

A newly constructed six-story building also collapsed in Imphal, the police control room said.

India’s Meteorological Department said the epicenter of the quake was in Tamenglong region of Manipur state. It struck before dawn on Monday at a depth of 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) in the India-Myanmar border region. The U.S. Geological Survey said the depth was 55 kilometers (about 34 miles).

The epicenter of the earthquake was 35 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Imphal.

People panicked and rushed out of their homes in Gauhati, the capital of neighboring Assam state, as they felt massive shaking at least twice within 60 seconds.