Mild tremors hit northern emirates

Abu Dhabi/Ras Al Khaimah: Some residents in Dubai and the northern emirates reacted with panic on Sunday evening after experiencing tremors.

"Light tremors were felt at around 5.40pm following an earthquake in southern Iran," an official at the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology told Gulf News.

The 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Iran's southern Hormozgan province resulted in tremors in some parts of Dubai and the northern emirates, the official said.

"[The earthquake] did not threaten lives or property in the UAE. Being an earthquake prone area, such incidents are very common in southern Iran and UAE residents don't need to worry," the spokesperson added.

The US Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Programme reported that the epicentre of the earthquake was 140km north of Ras Al Khaimah.

Two tremors

Residents in the city said they felt two tremors and police received a report from a woman. A senior police official said the tremors were felt in the old city only and no injuries or damage to property were reported.

Umm Ahmad, an Egyptian woman living in the city, said she, her family and her neighbours felt two tremors at about 5:40pm. She said the first tremor was mild but the second one lasted for several seconds and shook her building.

"We went out of the apartment and found that our neighbours were also scared," she said.

Police said the public should keep the authorities posted on any further tremors.

"We are keeping a strong vigil on the occasion of Eid Al Adha," an official said.

Dubai and Sharjah residents also reported feeling the tremors.

"On two occasions while I was watching TV in my second-floor apartment I felt like I was moving around," said Sarang Sakharkar, who lives behind Muraqqabad Police Station in Deira, Dubai.

"I felt my chair and a sofa were moving and things that were hanging up were shaking about in my 11th floor apartment," said Madan Mohan, who lives near Abu Shaghara Park in Sharjah.