SALEM, CHENNAI: The city encapsulated by hills woke up to tremors on Sunday, sending the residents into a state of panic. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said a magnitude of 3.3 earthquake struck Salem at 7.47 am on Sunday.
As mild tremors were felt in areas, including Ramakrishna Road, Saradha College Road, Chinna Pudur, Periyar Pudur, Alagapuram and Kannankurchi in the city and other places, the residents panicked and rushed out to the roads from their homes.
A rumour that the brimming Mettur dam had caused the tremors spread, but the Indian Meteorological Department officials dispelled it saying the reservoir had reached its full capacity 39 times in the past and no quake had occurred then.
“There are no reports of any damage to property,” said K Satyagopal, Commissioner for Revenue Administration (CRA) and Relief Commissioner.