Mild quake hits Bengal, Bihar

Siliguri, March 28 (IANS) An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale hit West Bengal and other parts of eastern India early Wednesday, the meteorological department said. There have been no reports of loss of life or property so far.

Parts of Bihar also experienced the quake.

"The quake had its epicentre near the India-Nepal border at 26.1 degree north latitude and 87.8 degree east longitude. It had a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale," said Gopinath Raha, the North Bengal and Sikkim in-charge of the India Meteorological Department.

The quake, which occurred around 5.10 a.m., was felt in Darjeeling, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, Jalpaiguri districts and even in Kolkata.

Most people were asleep when the quake struck. But some panicked and came out on the streets.