An earthquake of moderate intensity measuring 6.8 on Richter Scale with its epicentre on the Sikkim-Nepal border shook northeast and northern parts of the country, including the national capital, this evening.

The epicentre of the quake was located at Latitude 27.7 degree North and Longitude 88.2 degree East, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Immediately after getting the report, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, spoke to the Sikkim Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Kumar Chamling, and offered him all necessary help.

With the quake felt in Assam, parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Prime Minister directed the Cabinet Secretary to call an emergency meeting of the disaster management authority.

The quake which was felt for some seconds around 6.10 PM triggered panic among the people who were enjoying their Sunday evening.

There was however no immediate report on any casualty or damage to property.

In the national capital, the tremor was felt in certain parts – the second such experience within a fortnight after Delhiites were jolted around midnight on September 7.

Delhi's suburb Gurgaon and some other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced very mild tremor.

Related Topics