Earthquake measuring 6.8 magnitude strikes India: USGS

NEW DELHI - A strong 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck north-east India near the country's borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh early Monday (Jan 4), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The tremor hit at 4.35 am (7.05 am Singapore time) 33 km west-northwest of the city of Imphal, capital of Manipur state, USGS said.

In its initial assessment, USGS said "some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localised".

India's seven north-eastern states, joined to the rest of the country by a narrow sliver of land, are located in an area of frequent seismic activity. The border region is remote and sparsely populated on the Myanmar side.