A STRONG earthquake hit India’s remote northeast region before dawn yesterday, killing at least eight people, injuring more than 100 and causing damage to several buildings.

    The death and injuries were caused by falling debris. Manipur state’s home minister, G. Gaikhangam, said several parts of the state suffered extensive damage.

    He said the state capital of Imphal was hit hard, but did not give any details. Authorities were still assessing the situation, Gaikhangam told reporters.

    Three people were killed in Imphal and the other five in other parts of the state, said police officer A.K. Jalajit.

    Media reports said five people were killed by the earthquake in neighboring Bangladesh, but there was no immediate official confirmation.

    In India, the powerful tremor left large cracks in walls, and a portion of a popular market building collapsed in Imphal. The area is dotted with small houses.

    There are few tall buildings in the region, although a newly constructed six-story building collapsed in Imphal, police said. A bridge was also damaged on the outskirts of the city.

    India’s Meteorological Department said the epicenter of the quake was in the Tamenglong region of Manipur. It struck before dawn at a depth of 17 kilometers, not far from the border with Myanmar.

    Police officer L. Ragui said dozens of homes were slightly damaged in Tamenglong.

    Shangthon Kamei, a teacher in Tamenglong, said the earthquake rattled buildings.

    Telephone and electricity connections were disrupted in some areas. (SD-Agencies)