6.5 intensity quake jolts Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A moderate intensity earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale shook the Andaman and Nicobar Islands today but there were no reports of casualty or damage.

The government also ruled out any tsunami alert.

"The earthquake measuring 6.5 on Richter scale occurred some 70 kms east of Indira Point at 7.11 pm today," Secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences Shailesh Nayak said.

He said they had no reports of its impact being felt in mainland India.

"We do not see any threat of a tsunami warning due to this. However, we have issued a general warning and have kept our system on high alert," he said.

A bulletin issued by the Indian Meteorological Department said the epicentre of the earthquake was located in Campbell Bay area in the sea at a depth of 15 km from the coast.

According to initial reports, there are no casualties or loss of life.

The Andaman Sea and southern part of Indian Ocean are prone to earthquakes.

The 2004 earthquake, measuring close to 9 on the Richter scale, had triggered tsunami across the Indian ocean region, affecting several countries including the southern states of India and the Andaman Islands.