Moderate quake in parts of Maharashtra

An earthquake of moderate intensity measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale was felt in parts of western Maharashtra and Mumbai this evening,
officials said.

The epicentre of the tremor was stated to be in the region of Koyna dam in Satara district, about 150 km from Pune, according to the chief executive engineer of Koyna dam, U V Sidahmal.

The quake which occurred at 6.34 pm lasted for 15 seconds and was experienced in Satara, Kolhapur, Sangli, Ratnagiri, Mumbai and Pune, he said.

There were no immediate reports of any damage to life or property due to the quake, sources said.

Panic-stricken people in Satara came out of the streets in pitch dark due to load-shedding in the area.

In Mumbai, a number of people felt the mild tremor, and the police control room received several calls, police said.