DHARMAPURI: Shaken by rumours of an earthquake, people of Harur and Morappur as well as surrounding areas came out of their home and stayed put on the roads and open places late on Friday night.
According to sources, rumour of a strong tremor hitting the region early in the morning spread like wildfire.
Afraid of their safety, people preferred to stay under the open skies, despite a sleepless night.
Similar reports had come from Krishnapuram, Andipatti, Kolkampatti, Sindhalpadi, Naykankottai and Kuppur.
However, people returned to homes after 5 am on Saturday.
Police after a probe dismissed it as a mere rumour spread by some pranksters. Revenue officials too asked the public not to pay attention to rumours.