If not earthquake what? Geologists try to dispel the fear of Karnataka villagers

CHIKBALLAPUR: The villagers of Chinthamani taluk Mittahalli and surrounding hamlets are in the grip of a panic as they felt and heard a deafening sound from the earth forcing them to scurry out of their houses fearing it to be an earthquake.

Following this, Chikballapur Deputy Commissioner R. Latha, Superintendent of Police G.K.Mithun Kumar, along with the geologists' team rushed to the village and spoke to the villagers, and collected first-hand information.

Speaking to The New Indian Express Latha said the People of Mittahalli and surrounding villagers need not panic as it was not an earthquake, they can continue their day-to-day activities.

The Deputy Commissioner also said no intensity nor Richter scale was recorded in Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC).

However, a team of geologists were deputed in the village, they will campaign in the village for a week to observe any further sound and an official communication was also sent to the KSNDMC  for specific observation Latha said.

According to Chandra Shekar of Mittahalli said for three to four times the villagers observed a huge sound and vibration leading to panic, however, the visit of the senior officials to the village brought confidence among the people he said.

Neelamma said, majority of the people came out of the house fearing something going wrong, however no crack on the building, nor any electric short circuit or damage to the articles were caused.